2001 11 14 CC0
INCORP�rzo
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CALL TO ORDER
IV.
a
City Council Agendas are now
Available on the City's Web Page
@ www.la-quinta.org
City Council
Agenda
City Council Chambers
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, California 92253
Special Meeting to be held jointly with
The La Quinta Planning Commission
November 14, 2001 - 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Planning Commissioners:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT
Beginning Res. No. 2001-NA
Ord. No. -NA
Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, Chairman Abels,
At this time, members of the public may address the City Council and Commission on
any matter not listed on the agenda. Please complete a "request to speak" form and
limit your comments to three minutes. Please watch the timing device on the podium.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VI PRESENTATIONS - NONE
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may address the City Council and Commission on any matter
listed on the agenda. Please complete a "request to speak" form and present it to
the City Clerk prior to the start of City Council consideration of that item. The
Mayor will invite individuals, who have requested the opportunity to speak, to come
forward at the appropriate time.
VII. PUBLIC MEETING
1. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING ON THE
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council will be held at 2:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, November 20, 2001, in the City Council Chambers, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La
Quinta, CA 92253.
The next regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission will be held at 7:00
p.m. on November 27, 2001, in the City Council Chambers, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La
Quinta, CA 92253.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, June S. Greek, City Clerk of the City of La Quinta, California, do hereby declare that the
foregoing agenda for the Special City Council meeting, to be held jointly with the Planning
Commission, on November 14, 2001 was posted on the outside entry to the Council Chamber,
78-495 Calle Tampico and on the bulletin board at the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and
at Stater Bros., 78-630 Highway 1 1 1, on Friday, November 9, 2001.
DATED: November 9, 2001
JUNE S. GREEK, CIVIC
City Clerk, City of La Quinta, California
PUBLIC NOTICE
The La Quinta City Council Chamber is handicapped accessible. If special equipment is
needed for the hearing impaired, please call the City Clerk's Office at 777-7025, 24-hours
in advance of the meeting and accommodations will be made.
Page 2
002
COUNCIL/RDA MEETING DATE: November 14, 2001
Joint City Council Planning Commission
Public Meeting on the General Plan Update
RECOMMENDATION:
AGENDA CATEGORY:
BUSINESS SESSION:
CONSENT CALENDAR:
STUDY SESSION:
PUBLIC HEARING:
Review the Draft General Plan Update, Draft Master Environmental Assessment, and
Draft Environmental Impact Report; and schedule a Planning Commission Public
Hearing for January 16, 2002; and schedule a City Council Public Hearing for
February 19, 2002. Provide direction on requested changes.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
CITY CHARTER IMPLICATIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW:
Adopted in 1992, the City's General Plan is outdated as a result of the City's growth
and expansion, changes in State law, and City Council goals. Some portions of the
plan have been updated periodically, but no comprehensive update has been
undertaken since 1992.
On October 26, 1999, a Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission
initiated the General Plan Update process. On November 2, 1999 the City Council
held its first Public Hearing to take public comment and to review Land Use
Alternatives for the General Plan Update including potential annexations areas.
General Plan Update Public Hearings were continued monthly through the year 2000;
A:\CC and PC staff rpt. 11-14-01.wpd
003
several meetings focused on specific issues of community interest such as multi-
purpose trails and the potential for street legal golf carts. On December 19, 2000
City Council closed the Public Hearing and directed staff and its planning consultant,
Terra Nova Planning and Research, to prepare the General Plan Update documents
(Draft General Plan Update, Draft Master Environmental Assessment, and Draft
Environmental Impact Report) for public review. These documents have been
available for public review since July 13, 2001.
On September 19, 2001 a joint hearing of the City Council and Planning Commission
was held to review the Draft General Plan Update, Draft Master Environmental
Assessment, and Draft Environmental Impact Report (Attachment 1) . Upon
completion of the staff presentation and public testimony, the City Council and the
Planning Commission closed each individual hearing and City Council requested staff
to set an additional joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission to
provide a forum for the Council and Commission to reach a consensus on selected
portions of the Draft General Plan including goals, policies, mapping, and
nomenclature.
Based on comments received from the Council and Commission, the following
schedule is suggested which allows the consultant and. staff adequate time to make
the requested changes to the General Plan document, and to prepare staff reports:
Tentatively schedule a Planning Commission January 16, 2002
Hearing to make a recommendation to (7:00 PM)
City Council on the General Plan and EIR
Tentatively schedule a City Council Hearing February 19, 2002
to adopt the General Plan and Certify the EIR (7:00 PM)
Prior to receiving public comment at the joint public meeting, a review of comments
received from the Council and Commission will be given by the planning consultant
focusing on the Planning consultant memorandum which includes: 1) comments
relating to the entire General Plan and, 2) comments relating to specific Elements of
the General Plan (Attachment 2).
A Notice of Availability (NOA) of the EIR was advertised on July 17, 2001 with
comments due on August 27, 2001. This comment period was extended by the City
until September 10, 2001. The comments on the Draft EIR and a Response to
Comments will be transmitted to all parties who commented on the Draft EIR and will
be available prior to the January 16th Planning Commission Public Hearing, and the
February 19th City Council Public Hearing as required by California law.
11�
A:\CC and PC staff rpt. 11-14-01.wpd
002
The Draft General Plan update, Master Environmental Assessment will be printed with
any changes in the documents as directed at tonight's meeting. Also included will
be corrected typographical errors, consistent nomenclature, and current titles and
names of people and places.
_i1
The alternatives available to the City Council include:
1. Review the Draft General Plan Update, Draft Master Environmental
Assessment, and Draft Environmental Impact Report; and schedule a Planning
Commission Public Hearing for January 16, 2002; and schedule a City Council
Public Hearing for February 19, 2002. Provide direction on requested changes;
or
2. Review the Draft General Plan Update, Draft Master Environmental
Assessment, and Draft Environmental Impact Report; and do not schedule a
Planning Commission Public Hearing for January 16, 2002; and do not
schedule a City Council Public Hearing for February 19, 2002. Do not
provide direction on requested changes.; or
3. Provide staff with alternative direction.
Respectfully submitted,
r Her%ian
munity Development Director
Approved for submission by:
Thomas P. Genovese, City Manager
Attachments:
1. Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission
September 19, 2001
2. Planning consultant memorandum regarding proposed changes to the General
Plan
AACC and PC staff rpt. 11-14-01.wpd O O 5
V W 003
K w
s ATTACHMENT #1
j.
a \
L
LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL/
LA QUINTA PLANNING COMMISSION
JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 19, 2001
A special joint meeting of the La Quinta City Council and Planning Commission was
called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor John Pena, who led the pledge of allegiance.
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
ABSENT: None
PLANNING COMMISSION ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, Chairman Abels
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT - There were no requests to speak on matters not on the
agenda.
CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA - There were no changes to the agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING ON THE
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE.
Director of Community Development introduced the staff report and Nichole
Criste of the consulting firm of Terra Nova Planning and Research Inc. Ms.
Criste outlined the significant changes in the General Plan since the last joint
General Plan Update meeting between the City Council and the Planning
Commission.
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Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes September 19, 2001
Page 2
At the request of Council Member Henderson, Ms. Criste provided a
definition of the term "planning areas". Ms. Criste explained that a planning
area is any land outside of a City's boundaries which the Agency/Council
feels may have impacts on the City by virtue of its future development.
Ms. Criste then covered the major changes to the Land Use Map as
contained in Attachment 1 of the staff report.
Mayor Pena clarified that the "North planning area" (Bermuda Dunes) is now
in the Sphere of Influence of the City of Palm Desert.
Ms. Criste presented the changes to the various elements including: land
use, circulation, parks and recreation, natural resources, infrastructure and
public services, environmental, and cultural resources. She then listed the
requests for changes received to -date, and the new material provided in the
chart entitled Proposed General Plan Build -out Dwelling Units and Population.
Council Member Adolph inquired if the Bermuda Dunes Planning Area should
be retained in the City's General Plan. Ms. Criste stated development of
property immediately adjacent to La Quinta will continue to have impacts on
the City and therefore the northern planning area should be addressed in the
General Plan for future planning purposes.
Council Member Sniff remarked that the document is very extensive and
complete and he would like to continue to work within the original
boundaries proposed by the City Council.
Commissioner Steve Robbins questioned the re -designation of the parcel at
Miles and Washington. He felt this required more discussion before any
changes are made.
Council Member Perkins asked about the designation of the equestrian areas
east of the City. Ms. Criste responded that the equestrian area has an
overlay applied to underlying' residential designations in the southern planning
area. She read the description of this land use designation contained in
Attachment 2 as follows: "It recognizes the importance of the agricultural
and equestrian community in this part of the Coachella Valley and
demonstrates the City's commitment to maintaining existing and agricultural
and equestrian land uses. Any agricultural and equestrian use within this
overlay area shall be allowed to continue until such time as the land owner
chooses to develop. Agricultural and equestrian land uses within this overlay
area are never to be considered non -conforming land uses." 007
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes September 19, 2001
Page 3
At the request of Council Member Henderson, Community Development
Director Jerry Herman read a chronology to date of the meetings held since
the beginning of the General Plan update process in 1997. This covered in
excess of 20 meetings and hearings.
Mayor Pena opened the Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m.
The following speakers offered testimony:
Ben Scoville, representing the Torres -Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, 66-
725 Martinez Rd., Thermal, stated he is a land use planner with the Torres -
Martinez Tribe and reported members of the tribe are very concerned about
the diminishing water tables in the area. He felt the main reasons the water
supplies are diminishing are the agricultural uses and the many golf courses
in the Coachella Valley. He asked that the City of La Quinta appoint a
member of the Torres -Martinez Tribe to the City's Historic Preservation
Commission.
Jesse McKeever, 82-550 Ave. 60, Thermal, stated he is the owner of
property on Avenue 60 and he also is very concerned with the water table
levels which are losing approximately six feet per year. He also stated the
waste of water by residential users is a real concern.
Whitney Gattuso, 82-500 Ave. 54, Thermal, spoke about any possible
annexation of the Vista Santa Rosa area by La Quinta. She felt the area
needs to be preserved in its present condition.
Joseph Broido, 77-510 Calle Nogales, said he had asked for information
about the General Plan process in August and that this hearing has provided
most of that information. He asked that copies of the power -point
presentation and the chronology given by Mr. Herman be sent to him. He
questioned what the motivation was for the City Council to continue
pursuing annexation to the East.
Kay Wolff, 77-227 Calle Ensenada, made the following points: (1) the City
should maintain the current boundaries, with no new Sphere of Influence and
no new Planning Areas, to maintain the current small community
atmosphere; (2) the City should concentrate on in -fill to attract high end
developments; (3) the City should use its reserves to expand public services
and development of additional open space; (4) commercial development
should be concentrated away for the main image corridors. 008
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Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes September 19, 2001
Page 4
Betty Mangan Smith, 82470 Ave. 54, felt La Quinta is a well -manicured
community but the residents do not understand the realities of farming and
equestrian operations. She also stated she does not want to have anyone
restricting her property from continuing in its present zoning.
Community Development Director Jerry Herman clarified the proposed
overlay zone will never consider agricultural and equestrian land uses non-
conforming land uses.
Kathryn Carlson, 77-895 Avenida Montezuma, spoke to the matter of the
City trying to.annex areas that don't wish to be a part of the City. She
suggested a Planning Commissioner be appointed to work with the Vista
Santa Rosa area people.
Brent Lance, 74-090 El Paseo, Palm Desert, addressed property he owns at
84401 Ave. 61. He stated he is pleased to see the equestrian land use
language in the general plan has been changed. He also commented that an
expansion of the equestrian trails would be very well received and noted the
extreme need for the aquifers to be recharged.
Bob Hargreaves, of Best Best and Krieger, 74-760 #200 Highway 1 1 1,
Indian Wells, spoke on behalf of Mattie Waters. He said the build -out of the
Coachella Valley is presenting a number of problems. He said the two major
concerns are the preservation of agricultural uses and solving the water
issues. He outlined the problems that commercial agriculture faces when
residential properties encroach too closely. He urged that the Agriculture
Preservation element in the proposed General Plan needs to be much
stronger and contain substantially larger buffer zones.
Maria Chi, 53-500 Monroe Street, stated she and her family own 100 acres
at Avenue 53 and Monroe Street. She spoke in opposition to becoming a
part of a Community of Interest in the Vista Santa Rosa area. She said she
and her family are only asking for the right to decide when and how they
may dispose of their property, should they choose to do so. She stressed
they do not want any constraints placed on their rights as a result of waiting
periods imposed on new Communities of Interest.
Katie Barrows, 53295 Ave. Montezuma, spoke regarding the need for
balanced growth and encouraged caution in considering any further
annexations. She said she is in favor of the General Plan designations in the
Cove area for open space. 009
MEM
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes September 19, 2001
Page 5
Gayle Cady, 82-831 Avenue 54, Thermal, spoke regarding the trail system
proposed in the General Plan. She expressed concern that the Jefferson to
Monroe street areas will not include an equestrian corridor.. She stated the
people in Vista Santa Rosa deserve to have their own zoning ordinance.
Tania Pareno, 83-135 Ave. 53, Coachella, described the uses her property is
now allowed and expressed concern that a small boarding stable and a Bed
and Breakfast operation will not be permitted under an agricultural/equestrian
overlay. Mr. Herman replied that both of the uses she mentioned are
permitted with a conditional use permit in the proposed Agricultural/
Equestrian Residential District.
RECESS: Mayor Pena declared a recess at 9:00 p.m. The meeting was
reconvened at 9:10 p.m. with all Council Members and Planning
Commissioners present.
Elizabeth L. Talley, 82836 Beckman Dr., spoke in opposition to annexation of
the Vista Santa Rosa area by the City of La Quinta.
Lee Anderson, 59-777 Calhoun Street, Thermal, expressed concerns about
the water supply, and said if the City annexes his area, he felt they need to
have a specific zoning ordinance.
Brian de Coster, 69136 San Helena, Cathedral City, discussed property he
owns at the northwest corner of Madison and Ave. 60, which will be
included as a part of the Coral Mountain proposed annexation. He
questioned if his property would be in the Agricultural/Equestrian overlay and
asked that the zoning be retained with an RA-2'/z designation.
Joe Hammer, 74-757 North Cove Drive, Indian Wells, spoke about property
his family owns at Highway 111 and Dune Palms Road and stressed that no
one is compelled to sell their property. He felt his family has held on to that
property, even though they have had offers, because they want to see a
quality use there. He encouraged the City Council to continue with their
forward thinking. He also owns property at Ave. 55 and Monroe and at Ave.
59 and Monroe and said he hopes those properties will be annexed into the
City of La Quinta.
Grady Sparks, 79420 Briarwood, urged the Council not to consider the
request for a strip mall at the property at Madison Avenue and Avenue 58,
stating it is incompatible with the area. Mr. Sparks also commented on the
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Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes September 19, 2001
Page 6
recommendation in the packet from Commissioner Tyler regarding upgrading
well sites. He stated that many of the well sites are in privately owned
communities. Staff assured him that this would only address well sites that
are located on undeveloped property.
There being no further requests to speak, Mayor Pena closed the Public Hearing at
9:56 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Chairman Ables requested discussion and comments from the members of
the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Tyler stated he put all his comments in writing and they had
been included in the agenda packet.
Commissioner Robbins said CVWD would be happy to participate in
discussions with any of the groups in the Valley with regard to the District's
efforts to mitigate the valley's water problems.
Commissioner Kirk observed that when "the path of development" exists,
development will continue on that path whether it is in the City or in the
County. He felt the decisions about whether to be a resident of a City or the
County really boiled down to where the development is likely to be best
planned and controlled.
Commissioner Butler addressed some of the comments made by other
speakers and felt there had been some lack of communication in the past and
hoped the City's intent had been made clearer by this public hearing.
Chairman Ables said he agreed with Commissioner Kirk completely.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
Mayor Pena called for comments from the members of the City Council.
Council Member Adolph said his two major areas of concern deal with
providing adequate open space and controlling densities.
Council Member Perkins felt the City Council needs to do a better job of
communicating with the public. He said the Planning Commission and the
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes September 19, 2001
Page 7
Council Member Perkins felt the City Council needs to do a better job of
communicating with the public. He said it is the goal of the Planning
Commission and the City Council to have planned growth, not just growth
for growth's sake. He also stressed that he greatly favors the preservation
of agricultural and equestrian uses. He related past experiences of
communities in the Los Angeles basin that did not plan for the preservation
of those uses and as a result have lost therri completely.
Council Member Henderson said she had a significant number of comments
to make and stated it's very important that all recommendations be heard
and considered, for the purpose of gaining consensus. She felt the General
Plan documents should be corrected to reflect the current status and should
be reprinted with changes because it is too confusing to work with an
unedited document.
Council discussed whether to address all of the individual comments and
corrections at this meeting or whether it would be more effective to have
comments submitted in writing to the Planning Department and Consultant.
Ms. Criste suggested that if this was the Council and Commission's desire,
a time limit to receive comments be established to allow sufficient time to
incorporate them in the next staff report.
Council Member Henderson stated she would like to respond to Mr. Broido's
remarks specifically. She said the General Plan update process is very
lengthy and involved and she does agree it is long overdue. She stressed
the City Council has the responsibility to study and plan for the future
including future impacts on the City from other sources. She also
responded that the City Council has no desire to create enemies of residents
in the areas east of the city's current boundaries. Council Member
Henderson then read the ten requirements for a LAFCO service review, which
must be completed before an annexation can take place.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff commented that his focus is on maintenance of open
space. He also remarked that the City and the City Council have proven on
many occasions that they care about the lifestyle of citizens. He felt the
threat to agricultural and equestrian land is not coming from possible
annexation into La Quinta, it is coming from the competitive marketplace.
Mayor Pena thanked all of the people who attended the hearing and those
who spoke. He said his desire during the remainder of the General Plan
process is to have the focus placed on the City's corporate boundaries.
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Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes September 19, 2001
Page 8
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, it was moved by Council Members
Henderson/Sniff to adjourn the City Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioners Kirk/Butler to adjourn the Planning Commission
meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
June S. Greek, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
013
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
ATTACHMENT #2
MEMORANDUM
November 12, 2001
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Honorable Chair and Members of the Planning Commission
FROM: Nicole Sauviat Criste
Planning Consultant
RE: Proposed Changes to the General Plan
Following the last joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing, staff was
directed to collect comments from members of the City Council and Planning Commission
regarding proposed changes to the General Plan. The purpose of this memorandum is to
summarize the comments received. They are appended in their entirety to this document for
your review.
This memorandum is organized as follows:
1. Comments pertaining to the General Plan in its entirety/blanket comments.
2. Comments pertaining to each Element, in the order they are included in the General Plan
document.
3. The author of the comment's initials are included in brackets at the end of each comment,
as follows:
Councilwoman Henderson: (TH)
Councilman Perkins: (RP)
Councilman Adolph: (DA)
Planning Commissioner Tyler: (RT)
Planning Commissioner Kirk: (TK)
Planning Commissioner Robbins (SR)
Comments or questions by staff are provided in italics where they have arisen.
Each item will be brought up individually at the meeting of November 14th, and consensus as
to whether the change should be made shall be secured prior to moving on to the next item.
As previously stated, comments relating to typographical errors and formatting of the
document are not included here. The items listed below relate specifically to additions or
deletions which affect the policy of the City.
1. Comments relating to the entire General Plan
A. Add a Vision Statement to the General Plan. (TK) 014
NB: Please see the Vision Statement drafted by Commissioner Kirk, and attached
to his written submittal for the complete text he is proposing.
013
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
B. Delete the northern Planning Area (Bermuda Dunes area) and references to
Bermuda Dunes. (TH, DA, RT, TK)
C. Change all references to La Quinta General Plan buildout to Planning Area
buildout (the larger, all encompassing number). (TH)
D. Delete references to the community of Thermal where possible (three occurrences
found). Related comment: Change any reference to Thermal Airport to Desert
Resorts Regional Airport (TH, RT)
E. Add implementation chapter or separate document which ties goals, policies and
programs to annual budget and capital improvement programs. (TK)
F. Update demographic information where available. (TH, RT)
NB: Please note that only very limited data is currently available from the 2000
Census. We will be able to change population and ethnic mix only. Income,
household composition, etc. will not be available until well into 2002.
G. Add pictures and other graphics throughout the document. (TK)
H. Change Whitewater River to Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel. (RT, SR).
NB: Please note that the correct name is the Whitewater River to the centerline of
Washington Street. Therefore, we will change statements relating to the Channel
within and south of the City. References to the primary drainage through the
Valley, or to areas to the west of the City will remain Whitewater River.
I. Amend all maps to show the annexed lands at the northwest corner of Jefferson
and Fred Waring. (RT)
NB: That annexation is complete. Another, to bring The Palms into the City will
shortly be completed. Staff recommends that this area be added as well.
2. Comments relating to specific Elements of the General Plan
Administration Element
A. Add Traffic Control to Infrastructure and Public Services Element. (DA)
NB: Staff suggests that a discussion of traffic controls might be better placed in
the Circulation Element, and would request clarification from Councilman Adolf
as to the potential content of that discussion.
B. Add Visual Pollution to Environmental Hazards Element. (DA)
NB: Staff suggests that an expansion of aesthetic value of the surrounding
mountains in the Open Space Element might be appropriate, and would request
clarification from Councilman Adolf as to the potential content of that discussion.
C. Delete the second sentence of the first paragraph on page 6. (DA)
NB: This sentence explains the requirements of state law. Staff recommends that
the sentence remain.
D. Page 7, last paragraph: change the term "police powers." Also page 8, second
paragraph. (DA)
E. Policy 2, page 8: add CVAG. (DA)
F. Program 4.1, page 8: Add master plans for open space areas owned by the City.
(DA)
O1�
11.0 �li4
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
Land Use Element
A. Comprehensive land use planning of the southeastern planning area is needed.
(TK)
B. Suggest the creation of a Rural Living land use category, with 5 to 10 acre
minimums. (RT).
C. Include General Plan Amendments and changes such as the vacation of Avenue
53 within Country Club of the Desert, which have occurred since the Land Use
Map was released. (RT)
D. Page 12, Resort Mixed Use and Tourist Commercial are marked, but no comment
is provided. (DA)
E. Page 13: Add Light Manufacturing to the name of the Industrial land use
designation. (DA)
F. Page 14, Open Space: Add reference to lands owned by the City to be preserved
as Open Space which are not in the mountainous areas. (DA)
G. Page 17, General Land Use Goals: Add a Goal 3, to read "Protection of our
natural elements." (DA)
H. Page 18, Policy 6: define in -fill. (DA)
I. Page 18, Policy 8: add "sphere of influence and " (could not read)
after "carefully consider." (DA)
NB: Staff requests that Councilman Adolph clarify the last word in the phrase.
J. Page 18, Residential Goals: Add Goal 3 to read "Maintain a low density profile.
(DA)
K. Page 18, Policy 2: start the policy with the word "Compatible." (DA)
L. Page 19, Policy 5: Add "perimeter berming" after "height" and before "pad
elevations." Also, add at the end of the sentence " and not sirupt the tranquility of
adjacent properties." (DA)
M. Page 19, Policy 4: delete the phrase "mid -sized," and "particularly those planned
with golf course or other recreational amenities." (DA, RT)
N. Page 20, Policy 5 and Program 5.1: Policy and Program are premature. (DA)
O. Page 20, Policy 2: How will policy be enforced? (DA)
P. Discuss the issue of Park Fee credits in Program 4.2, page 20. (TH)
Q. Policy 10, page 18: should dark sky principles be applied on a regional rather than
local level? (TK)
NB: The issue raised pertains more to zoning ordinance standards than General
Plan policy. However, a policy could be added which states that the City will
promote dark sky principles throughout the Valley.
Circulation Element
A. A southeastern corridor (much like Highway 111) is needed in the southeastern
planning area. (TK)
B. All street with 25 mile per hour speed limits and all streets in residential and
business districts should be designated Class III golf cart routes. (RT)
C. A street naming policy should be included, requiring that new streets which are 016
extensions of existing streets carry the same name for their entire length. (RT)
D. Add a discussion about the width of medians, page 21. (TH) Also, medians should
be no more than 12 to 14 feet in width. (RP)
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
E. Table 3.1, page 23, and Table 3.2, page 29: Delete streets outside the City (please
see Commissioner Tyler's comments for a full list of those streets he wishes to
eliminate from the Table. (RT)
NB: Traffic is not a local issue, and the General Plan is supposed to show both
decision makers and developers how the City fits into the regional context. The
level of service, capacity and buildout impacts to those roadways should be
identified in the Plan. Staff recommends that the data be maintained.
F. Add local streets to Exhibit 3.3, page 25 (such as those in the Village. (TK)
G. Page 30: Change "Golf Cart Route System" to Golf Cart Transportation
Program." (RT)
H. Exhibit 3.5, page 31: Adams and Dune Palms have been downgraded from
Primary to Secondary Arterials — was this intentional? (RT)
NB: Yes. The traffic analysis performed for this General Plan found changes in
the circulation pattern. These streets do not need to be as large at buildout as
thought in the 1992 Plan.
I. Exhibit 3.8: clarify the City Hall icon. (TK)
NB: Staff requests direction on how Commissioner Kirk would like this clarified.
J. Page 37, second and third paragraphs, left hand columns: change "should" to
"shall." Also, second paragraph, third line from the bottom, add "hopefully" after
"the City." (DA, RT)
K. Page 38, Policy 2: add reference to homeowners' associations which tie priate
streets to City streets.
L. Page 38, Program 2.2: Adams Street should be removed from the Program. (RT)
NB: Adams has been identified in the past as requiring attention to minimize
turning conflicts. The potential conflicts still exist, despite the reduction in
roadway classification. Staff recommends that the Program remain as is.
M. Page 38, Program 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.8: the phrase "to City Engineer review
and approval" is circled and underlined, but no comment is provided. (DA)
NB: Staff requests clarification of the marks from Councilman Adolph.
N. Page 38, Program 2.3: The reduction in intersection spacing on Major Arterials is
a bad idea. (RT)
O. Page 38, Program 2.5: Program is a bad idea. (DA)
P. Page 38, Program 2.9: Plan has been completed, delete. (DA)
NB: The program was added at the request of the City Engineer's office, and the
Plan has not yet been undertaken.
Q. Change the words "concerted effort" in Program 5.1, page 39 (no alternative
given). (TH)
R. Page 39, Policy 6 and Program 6.2: The policy and program are not realistic.
(DA)
S. Program 6.2, page 39, should be deleted. (TH, RT)
T. Bicycle lanes should be at least 6 feet wide.(RP)
NB: This is a development standard which should be added to the City's
Development Code, although Program 7.2 on page 40 could be modified to
include this minimum..
U. The speed limit on streets posted for 45 mph or more should be painted in each
lane, parallel to each posted sign. Also, left turn pockets should be 10 feet long for
each 10 mph of speed limit (50 mph requires 500' long turn pocket. Also, dual
left turn lanes should be 6 feet long for each 10 mph of speed limit (50 mph
01'7
ois
4
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
requires 300' turn lane). All traffic signals should be equipped with LED lights as
soon as possible. Parking stall size and location should also be regulated (please
see Councilman Perkins' comment for the complete discussion he submitted. (RP)
NB: These requests represent development standards, and should be added to the
Municipal Code. A new program, 2.14 on page 39, could be added which requires
the amendment to the Code for these items.
V. Page 40, Program 7.3: The first sentence is questioned, but no comment noted.
(DA)
NB: Staff requests direction from Councilman Adolph.
W. Page 40, Program 7.4: This program singles out the Cove, and not the other
neighborhoods in La Quinta, which is inappropriate. (RT)
X. Page 40, Program 7.5: Program should be deleted and made part of the stand-
alone Golf Cart Program. (RT)
Y. Add Desert Resorts Regional Airport to Policy 9 and Policy 10, page 40. (TH)
Z. Page 40, Policy 9 and Program 9.1: Should be accomplished without overage of
signage. (DA)
A.A. Page 40, Policy 12: Delete Interstate 10. (RT)
NB: The City can control where trucks can travel. Interstate 10 is an appropriate
location. Staff recommends the text remain.
BB. Page 40, Policy 14: Add "minimum" before "landscape." (RT)
CC. Page 41: Add Policy 18, requiring berming along roadways.
Open Space Element
A. Program 2.3, page 43: Add "properties which provide scenic vistas which cannot
be replaced" before "hillside and alluvial fan areas."
B. Page 43, Policy 3: Add "whenever possible" at the end of the sentence.
C. Page 44, Program 7.1: Comment noted. (DA)
D. Page 44: New policy which reads: "The City shall encourage CVWD to landscape
their various existing, barren future well sites within La Quinta, to convert these
into mini -neighborhood parks for the enjoyment of nearby residents." (RT)
Parks and Recreation Element
A. Page 45, under Future Buildout Needs: Concerned about the buildout population
number. (DA)
B. Policy 2, Program 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, Policy 3, Program 3.1: Concerned about
how these will be implemented. (DA)
Natural Resources Element
A. Page 50, Policy 1, Program 1.2, Policy 2, Program 3.1: Why the focus on
industrial facilities when there are none in the City? (RT)
NB: The land use map includes industrial areas in the southeastern planning
area, which abut residential land use designations. In order for the residential O 18
land uses to be protected should these areas be annexed, the policies and
programs were included in the Plan.
B. Page 50, Policy 2: Questions how Policy will be accomplished (DA)
L_
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
C. Page 50, Program 5.1: Add Golf Cart Transportation Plan (RT)
D. Questions Program 5.5, page 51. (TH)
E. Page 51, Program 6.2: This is SCAQMD's responsibility. (DA)
NB: The City is responsible for enforcement of its Fugitive Dust Ordinance, as
part of the regional effort to improve PM10 conditions.
F. Page 53, Program 2.2: Change "vehicles" to "vehicle fleet." (RT)
G. Page 53: Goal 2, Policy 4, Program 4.1, Policy 5 and Policy 6 are not applicable
in La Quinta. (DA, RT)
NB: State law requires that policies regarding the potential for mineral resources
be included in a General Plan. Staff recommends that the items remain.
H. Add to page 54, top paragraph in the right hand column, first sentence, " in
cooperation with the Multi -Species Habitat Conservation Plan." (TH)
I. Page 62, Program 1.3: Is this necessary? (RT)
J. Program 3.1 on page 62: Has this already been done? (DA)
K. Page 63, Program 4.2: Where is this located? (DA)
NB: the land is designated Open Space on the Land Use Map. It is south of the
Cove.
L. Page 64, Program 1.2: Add "all future" before "Specific Plans". (RT)
NB: The text refers to application forms, not the documents themselves.
M. Page 66, first sentence of the first paragraph under "Future Buildout Needs":
Disagree with the statement. (DA)
N. Disagree with Policy 1, page 66. (TH)
0. Add at the end of Program 1.2, page 66: "especially dealing with water saving
fixtures."
P. Add "where possible" to Program 2.2, page 66. (TH)
Q. Add lakes to Program 2.3 and Policy 5, page 67.
R. Page 67: Add Policy 17 to read "The City shall notify those homeowners who
over water lawns, resulting in most water going into gutters, that the problem
must be rectified." (DA)
Infrastructure and Public Services Element
A. Add to the listing on the left side of page 68: Animal Control and Shelters. (DA)
NB: Staff recommends that if this item is added, a discussion also be added in this
document and the MEA on the subject.
B. Page 69, last sentence under Public Libraries: The sentence should be deleted
since it will not be applicable in the foreseeable future. (DA)
C. Page 69, Fire Protection section: Add a sentence that another paid employee
should be provided at the station. (DA)
D. Page 69, Law Enforcement section: Delete "the planning area at buildout will
require approximately 208 officers." (DA)
NB: We are required to quantify the potential impacts associated with the
buildout of the General Plan. This number will change if the Bermuda Dunes area
is eliminated, however, staff recommends that the statement remain, with
correction if needed.
E. Page 69, Potable Water section: change 56 to 58. Also page 70, end of first
paragraph in right hand column. (DA)
NB: The information was provided by CVWD.
013
018
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
F. Delete references to Myoma Dunes Water District. (DA)
NB: If the Bermuda Dunes area is deleted, all references to services or facilities
within that area will also be deleted.
G. Add to Goal, page 70, after "fire protection": "including paramedics." (DA)
H. Policy 4, page 71: How will the City accomplish this? (DA)
I. Program 4.1, page 71, change language to read that the City will work with the
District, and delete references to City staff contacting institutions directly. (TH)
J. Delete Policy 6, page 71. (TH)
K. Education Facilities, Policy 4 and Program 4.1, page 71: Requests the use of a
term other than post graduate, to identify all types of education, from high school
through post graduate. (RT)
L. Page 71, Policy 5 and Program 5.1: Delete references to seniors, the disabled and
other special populations. (RT)
M. Page 72, Program 1.2: Add "special provisions for special pick-ups along
roadways dumping." (DA)
NB: Staff asks for clarification of Councilman Adolph's proposed addition.
N. Page 72, Program 2.2 in Solid Waste Management section: delete "of the Thermal
community," and the second reference to Thermal in the Program (RT)
O. Page 73, Policy 3 under Public Utilities, top of right hand column: Disagree with
policy. All electric should be undergrounded, and 34.5 kv lines may remain with
approval of Council. (DA)
NB: The costs associated with undergrounding large (34.5 kv or more) electric
lines is generally prohibitive. The City has been operating under this standard in
recent years. Staff recommends the policy remain.
M. Page 73, Program 4.1, right hand column: Add that undergrounding is preferred.
(DA)
Environmental Hazards Element
A. Add a discussion regarding "human -induced" emergencies, given the events of
September 11. (TK)
B. Page 75, first full paragraph of left hand column: Disagree with City
implementing its own hazardous monitoring programs. (TH)
C. Page 75, Policy 4: Don't understand the use of the word "encourage." (RT)
NB: CVWD is the sanitary sewer purveyor in the City. Therefore, the City can
only encourage, and not require that CVWD connect all new development to
sewer, particularly in newly urbanizing areas which may be annexed in the future.
D. Page 76, Program 6.1: Change the word "development" to "use" on the third line.
(DA)
E. Page 76, Program 6.2: Add a last sentence to read: "Testing for compliance of
storage integrity is required, and a copy of the report shall be given to the City."
(DA)
F. Page 77, "Future Buildout Needs" section, questions the word intense on the 6tn
line. (TH)
NB: VLDR is proposed east of the airport. LDR is proposed west of the airport.
Either designation represents an intensification of current land use as allowed by 020
the County.
015
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
G. Page 87, Policy 2: Add "and southern area" after "Cove". (DA) These routes
should be established for all areas in the City. (RT)
NB: The Cove was singled out because the geologic consultant identified that
area as being potentially isolated in the event of an earthquake or flood.
H. Delete Exhibit 8.4, and rely on Exhibit 8.1. (TK, RT)
NB: General Plan guidelines require that we identify potential environmental
hazards in the General Plan. Wind hazards are an identified geologic health and
environmental threat (as demonstrated by the Valley's non -attainment for PM10
standards at both the state and federal level). Staff recommends that the exhibit
remain.
I. Exhibit 8.5 is misleading. Add discussion about the flood threat. (TK)
NB: The flood hazard areas are mapped by FEMA, and in order to clear City
plan check, development must meet certain standards in those areas. The FEMM
maps used were the most recent available.
J. Page 91, Program 1.1: Maintain the City's current 60 dBA CNEL noise standard.
(RT)
K. Page 91, Noise policies: Should the City enact an ordinance about car radios,
similar to that in effect in Indio? (DA)
Cultural Resources Element
A. Program 3.1.6, page 95 is marked, but no comment is made. (TH)
NB: Staff requests clarification from Councilwoman Henderson.
B. Page 95, Policy 2.3: The Policy should be reworded to reflect what the City is
currently doing. (DA)
C. Page 96, Program 4.2.4: Disagree with the program, unless the signage is made
with natural materials, not plastic. (DA)
D. Page 97: New Policy which encourages the City to work with tribal councils in
enhancing knowledge of artifacts and history. (DA)
021
Pty,94,11, Upj , 45
1. All s to La Quinta General P
I A B ild-ou
Build -out be changed to G 1
JI
arming rea u '� .�'��
2.
All references to Bermuda Dunes and Thermal out. - 64,.P ..
3. All references to Thermal Airport changed to Desert Resort
Regional Airport (DRRA).
4. Latest, greatest and best data figures need to be updated. —
022.
021
• When no new land use is proposed,
• When the off -site circulation pattern and turning
movements will not be altered by the prop o s e d
change.
Program 4.3: In areas where Specific Plans are
required, adjacent property owners shall be
encouraged to work together to create a single
Specific Plan which incorporates all properties
within a block or neighborhood.
Policy 5
All land use development proposals shall be
consistent with all applicable land use policies and
standards contained in the General Plan.
Policy 6
In -fill development shall be encouraged by placing
capital improvement projects in the developed areas
of the City as top priorities.
Policy 7
The City shall maintain standards and procedures in
its Development Code which define the
requirements for all development applications.
Policy 8
The City shall carefully consider annexations of its
planning area to accommodate growth.
lJ o'i PL`A 0 0 t 05 Ae-t5A
Program 8.1: All annexation applications by land
owners shall be accompanied by required
environmental and fiscal impact analyses to ensure
the orderly development of the City.
Program 8.2: The City shall undertake a
comprehensive community outreach program for
any City -initiated annexation effort, to encourage
and facilitate community participation in the
annexation process.
Policy 9
Agricultural land uses in the planning area are
encouraged.
Policy 10
The City shall maintain its "dark sky" ordinance.
TN/City of La Quints
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
RESIDENTIAL GOALS, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
The maintenance and protection of residential
neighborhoods to assure that future housing needs
are met.
GOAL 2
A broad range of housing types and choices for all
residents of the City.
Policy 1
The City shall encourage the preservation of
neighborhood character and assure a consistent and
compatible residential land use pattern.
Program 1.1: The City shall periodically review land
use designation definitions to assure that changes in
the community and marketplace are met.
Program 1.2: Apply the City's discretionary powers
and site development review process consistently to
assure that subdivision and development plans are
compatible with existing residential areas.
Policy 2
Development adjacent to existing neighborhoods and
infrastructure shall be encouraged.
Program 2.1: The City will continue to use creative
planning techniques, including the merger of small
residential lots in the Cove, to encourage
development in existing neighborhoods.
Policy 3
The City shall discourage scattered development of
residential subdivisions by requiring necessary
improvement/extension of intervening roadways and
infrastructure to serve new development.
Policy 4
Density transfers may occur in Specific Plans when
common area amenities and open space are provided.
Program 4.1: The Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinance shall include standards for density
transfers, with the provision of common areas and
amenities.
023
022
Policy 1
The City shall support the development of a broad
range of non-polluting, carefully planned industrial
uses in its planning area.
Program 1.1: The Development Code shall be
amended to include provisions for industrial
development, including development standards,
permitted and conditionally permitted land uses.
Policy 2
Industrial lands shall be located along major
transportation corridors, and in areas that maximize
all available infrastructure.
Policy 3
The City shall encourage the development of
vocational and technical programs in the educational
system, in order to help the industrial sector find
qualified local employees.
Policy 4
The City shall support the development of a broad
range of carefully planned airport -related uses in its
planning area.
Program 4.1: The Development Code shall be
amended to include provisions for airport
development, including development standards,
:rmitted and conditionally permitted land uses.
olicy 5
he City shall consider airport Master Plans in all
welopment proposals adjacent to an airport.
rogram 5.1: Standards for development adjacent
airports shall be developed which maximize the
.ed for public safety.
THER LAND USE GOALS, POLICIES AND
_ ROGRAMS
GOAL 1
Major community facilities which efficiently serve
the community and are compatible with surrounding
land uses.
GOAL 2
The preservation of open space and recreational
resources as a means of preserving and enhancing
the quality of life and economic base of the City.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
Policy 1
Planning for all major community facilities shall
carefully consider the potential impacts to adjacent
development, particularly residential development.
Program 1.1: The Development Code shall maintain
standards for municipal facilities, utility substations,
schools and similar public facilities.
Policy 2
Public utility providers shall be subject to the same
standards as the development community.
Policy 3
The City shall participate in efforts to preserve and
protect sensitive resources throughout the City and
planning area.
Program 3.1: The City shall maintain and enforce
its Hillside Preservation Ordinance.
Program 3.2: The City shall amend the Land Use
Map as necessary to ensure the preservation of
sensitive resources through the designation of land
as open space.
Program 3.3: The City shall encourage the use of
native landscaping and "links" golf courses which
preserve natural open space areas.
Policy 4
The City shall continue to include park facilities
planning in neighborhood planning efforts.
Program 4.1: The City shall continue to utilize the
standards allowed in the Quimby Act to charge park
fees and allow for park development.
Program 4.2: The City shall develop a program
which allows for Park Fee credits for projects which
include public golf courses or other active
recreational amenities. Retention areas shall not be
considered for Park Fe redits �
Program 4.2: The City shall incorporate park
planning into annexation studies and annexation
community outreach efforts.
024
� - -02
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Chapter 3
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT
PURPOSE
As one of the fastest growing communities in
California, La Quinta and the Coachella Valley, the
level of vehicular traffic has steadily increased, and
challenges the City to balance the character and
qualities of a destination resort community with the
accessibility needs of the community's residents
and visitors. Balancing these two potentially
conflicting goals requires careful planning of the
local and intercity roadway networks.
The potential for delays and the risk of traffic
accidents increases as the City's road system nears
its capacity for handling traffic in a safe and
efficient manner. The General Plan Circulation
Element has been developed in order to preserve the
City's unique character and quality of life, while
providing the safest and most efficient roadway
system possible.
The Circulation Element examines the City's
current road system and operating conditions, and
analyses future traffic impacts due to growth
projected for the City and region. The Circulation
Element and associated technical analysis provide an
efficient, cost-effective and comprehensive
transportation management strategy consistent with
regional plans, local needs to maintain and improve
mobility, and in a manner consistent with the goals,
quality and character of the community.
The Circulation Element also serves as a
comprehensive transportation management strategy,
which is based upon an analysis of existing
conditions within the City and future development,
as set forth by the General Plan Land Use Map (see
Land Use Element). Regional traffic growth has
also been considered, and has been based upon
statistical trends, an assessment of long-term
regional growth potential and the regional
transportation model, CVATS, prepared by the
Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG).
A variety of data were used to quantify and
characterize existing traffic volumes and conditions
along roadway links and at major intersections. In
addition to traffic counts collected by the City,
CVAG and CalTrans, additional sets of data were
collected from project -specific studies and other
sources to gauge existing conditions and provide a
sound basis for projecting future traffic volumes.
These various data are from the period of 1990
through 1999 and include mid -block roadway
segments, as well as counts of intersection turning
movements. Detailed information on the City's
circulation system is available in both the General
Plan Master Environmental Assessment, and
General Plan Environmental Impact Report.
Acceptable Levels -of -Service
An essential goal of the Circulation Element is to
establish and maintain acceptable levels of service
on all community roadways. LOS C has long been
considered the desirable and optimal level of traffic
volume on any given roadway, however, it represents
a standard that is progressively more difficult and
costly to achieve in urban areas. For peak operating
periods, LOS D and/or a maximum volume to
capacity ratio of 0.90 is now considered the.
generally acceptable service level. Buildout of the
City General Plan is not expected to result in any
intersections operating at levels worse than LOS D.
In those temporary periods where a V/C ratio of 1.0
or worse exists along certain roadway segments,
every measure to improve operating conditions shall
be pursued.
Average Daily Traffic Volumes
Average Daily Traffic Volumes (ADT) for the
current (1998-2000) period for the General Plan
designated roadways are listed in Table 3.1 and are
graphically presented in Exhibit 3.1. ADT is a
useful "benchmark" number for determining
various roadway configurations design aspects.
p � 1
025
024
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Program 2.12: The City Engineer shall establish Program 5.1/Iner to locate jobs and housing
and maintain a traffic calming program which details near each othuce shorter work commutes,
acceptable traffic calming devices or concepts in make a concort to increase City -based
residential neighborhoods. employment; encourage mixed -use development
with a residential component contiguous with or
Program 2.13: Confer and coordinate with near to employment centers; facilitate use of the
CalTrans in efforts to secure state and federal City's home occupation ordinance; and encourage
funding sources for preservation and expansion major employers to evaluate tele-commuting
capacity on Interstate-10, State Highway 111 a opportunities, either home -based or at local centers,
other important City arterials. fas well as part-time options for employees.
Policy 3 Policy 6
Participate and represent the City's interests Promote the use of car and van pooling, and the
circulation -related regional planning activities, a shifting of employment -related trips out of current
encourage acceptance of City policies regardin peak traffic periods.
regional transportation issues.
Program 3.1: Establish and maintain a liaison w g h
CVAG, SCAG and CalTrans and proactive
represent City in transportation planning meetings,
to assure that City policies, programs and strategies
are given priority consideration in resolving regional
transportation issues affecting the community.
Policy 4
Encourage expansion of ridership and the service
area of the public transit systems operated by the
Sunline Transit Authority within the City.
Program 4.1: Consult and coordinate with the
Sunline Transit Authority and assure vocal
representation on the Authority Board and its
decision making process.
Program 4.2: When reviewing development
proposals, consult and coordinate with the Sun�ne
Transit Authority and solicit comments Aid
suggestions on how bus stops and other public
transit facilities and design concepts, including
enhanced handicapped access, should be integrated
into project designs.
Program 4.3: When reviewing developmelt
proposals, consult and coordinate with the Sunlie
Transit Authority to encourage the developmen of
I.
rideshare and other alternative, high occupancy
transit programs for employers with sufficient
numbers of employees.
Policy 5
As a means of reducing traffic associated with
work -related out -migration, make every reasonable
effort to enhance the City's jobs/housing balance.
Program 6.1: To the extent practical, prepare a
rideshare plan for City employees to serve as an
example for area employers. This plan should
include meaningful incentives for employees to
walk, bike, or rideshare to complete their work
commutes.
rhour
m 6.2: To the exte�pr,e City and
line Transit Authority shall encourage
the
to provide 4 day-40 hour and 9 day-80
rk weeks, and/or provide start/end times
f the 6-8 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. peak periods of
Program 6.3: Encourage and proactively support
the efforts of the Sunline Transit Authority in
organizing a Transportation Management
Organization (TMO) among employers to provide
an on -going information network, develop a
rideshare plan, and determine opportunities for
transit/shuttle operations.
Policy 7
Develop and encourage the use of continuous and
convenient bicycle routes and multi -use trails to
places of employment, recreation, shopping, schools,
and other high activity areas with potential for
increased bicycle, equestrian, golf cart and other
non -vehicular use.
Program 7.1 Prepare and adopt a master plan of
bicycle -ways, and multi -purpose trails, and develop
or require the development of secure bicycle and
golf cart storage facilities, and other support
facilities which increase bicycle and golf can Isst!:.. 026
�,:- 0 2 5
Ate..- . --',
Program 7.2: The construction of bikeways shall
conform to the CalTrans manual "Planning arid
Design Criteria for Bikeways in California."
Program 7.3: Sidewalks shall be provided on both
sides of all arterial and collector streets, except
where there is a multi -use trail on one side.
Program 7.4: Golf carts shall be permitted on
designated routes, as depicted in Exhibit 3.8 and 3
and on all .'i ,
public local streets in the Cove. S et;f"fic
P P
street crossings for golf carts from the cove onto
collectors and arterials shall be designated by the
City Engineer.
Program 7.5: Should a recreational facility be
developed at the south end of the Cove, Exhibit 3.9
shall be amended to include a designated golf cart
route.
Policy 8
Coordinate with the Coachella Valley Water District
and its consultants to assure the p1*TVi19iorrTf
all-weather crossings along critical roadways.
6
Program 8.1: Consult and coordinate with the
Coachella Valley Water District, and cooperate in
the planning and development of all-weather
crossings as part of the community's Mast #r
Drainage Plan and its implementation. .w:►
Policy 9
Facilitate the design and installation of a community
locational/directional sign program to efficiently
direct traffic to high use areas, including civic center,
parks, and other facilities. 4- p R A p6 QT
Program 9.1: Provide clear public signage directing
traffic to the City's park and recreational facilities,
and all public facilities, including but not limited to,
libraries, hospitals, poke and fire stations, and civic
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
expansion of facilities to accommodate commercial
aircraft serving the eastern portions of the valley.
Policy 11
Streets within planned residential areas shall be
installed and maintained as private streets, and shall
be developed in accordance with development
standards set forth in the Development Code and
other applicable standards and guidelines
Policy 12
Truck routes shall be designated and limited to
Washington Street, Jefferson Street, Highway 111,
Highway 86 and US Interstate-10.
Policy 13
Continue to implement the Image Corridors in the
City, and identify new image corridors for streets
brought into the City through annexation.
Program 13.1: Primary Image Corridors shall
include: Washington Street, Jefferson Street,
Highway 111, Fred Waring Avenue, Calle Tampico
and Eisenhower Drive from Calle Tampico to
Washington Street.
Program 13.2: Secondary Image Corridors shall
include: Miles Avenue, Dune Palms Road, south of
the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, Adams
Street, south of the Coachella Valley Stormwater
Channel, Avenues 48, 50 and 52, and Eisenhower
Drive, south of Calle Tampico to Avenida
Bermudas.
rogram 13.3: Agrarian Image Corridors shall
nclude: Madison, Jackson and Harrison Streets,
and Avenues 54, 58, 62 and 66.
Program 13.4: Standards for all Image Corridors
shall be maintained in the Development Code.
centers. & 4t� o�_V Program 13.5: Image Corridor standards shall be
superseded by the Village Design Standards in that
Policy 10 land use designation.
Coordin a and cooperatp4ith the Rverside CnLnty_
Airport- ommissifln d the Palm Springs Regional Policy 14
Airport Authority to assure that these airports In order to preserve the aesthetic values on the
continue to meet the City's existing and future City's streets, landscape setbacks shall be as
transportation, commercial and emergency response follows:
needs.
/'` Highway 111: 50 feet
Program 10.1: Proactively consult and coordinate Other Major Arterials & Primary Arterials: 20 feet
with the County in updating the Desert Resorts Second Arterials &Collector Streets: 10 feet
(Thermal) Airport Master Plan and encourage the �e6' ° �'� 027
1
7�
1
11
1
1
1
1
140
Chapter 4
OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Open Space Element is ti
establish the City's goals, policies and program
relating to the preservation and management of opei
space lands. The policies contained herein suppoi
the City's intentions to conserve and expand som
of its most valuable assets, including wildlife habitat
watersheds, and agricultural and scenic resources.
Open space policies and programs are designed ti
discourage -the premature or inappropriat,
conversion of open spaces to more intense lane
uses. They are also intended to assure the long
term viability of open spaces for continues
availability and possible production, and fo:
recreational and scenic enjoyment.
BACKGROUND
The Open Space Element addresses a broad range
of issues and is, therefore, directly and indirectly
related to many other General Plan elements,
including Land Use, Parks and Recreation,
Circulation, Environmental Hazards and
Environmental Conservation.
Government Code Section 65560(b) defines open
space as "any parcel or area of land or water which
is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open -
space use." These lands typically include rivers,
streams, managed agricultural lands, mineral
resources, parks and recreational lands, and lands
dedicated for the preservation of biological or other
natural resources.
Government Code Section 65302(d) requires that
General Plans include elements which address
resource conservation and designate lands for
preservation. Government Code Section 65566,
also referred to as the Open Space Lands Act,
requires local governments to prepare open space
plans before adopting open - space zoning
ordinances. This helps to assure that open space
zoning regulations are consistent with open space
plans.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Open Space Element
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
The undeveloped open spaces of the Santa Rosa and
Coral Reef Mountains provide valuable biological,
cultural and scenic resources to the City of La
Quinta. Agricultural lands within the planning area
also constitute valuable commodities that provide a
link to the region's cultural past.
j_A PSG,► n CL Iv; ._
Buildout of the proposed General Plan will result in
the addition of an estimated 66,811 new housing
units in the planning area (see Land Use Element).
This level of development has the potential to
adversely impact and strain open space resources. jn-
es on a General Plan Land Use Plan has been
designe vide a total of approximately 9,791
acres of open sp lands. This includes about
6,030 acres of genera of
space, 2,440 acres of
golf course open space, acres of parks and
recreation facilities, and 602 a es of w tercourse
and flood control facilities. t ,,�'(`�• e-
h �►-f':
�S
Thoughtful implementation of the General Plan,
Development Code and other regulatory
mechanisms will be required to assure the long-term
preservation of open spaces. The City can play an
important role in acquiring federal and state grants
and other funding mechanisms for the purchase of
conservation easements and/or fee simple land
ownership interests. The City also has the
opportunity to encourage residents and other
agencies to become involved in open space
preservation. On -going efforts between the City, the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG), adjoining communities and private entities
are necessary for the continued conservation of
regional open space resources.
028
. 027
42
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
hupt
11A R KS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
l'!.JItI-POS1
The Parks and Recreation Element establishes the
goals, policies, and programs which guide the
development of parks, trails, bikeways and other
recreational facilities throughout the City. Many of
the City's residents and visitors spend their leisure
time outdoors participating in recreational activities.
The provision of passive and active recreation
opportunities is an important municipal service that
reflects and enhances the community's quality of
life.
BACKGROUND -
The Parks and Recreation Element has a direct
relationship with the Open Space and Environmental
Conservation Elements of the General Plan, in that
each of these elements seeks to conserve and
maintain the City's open space and natural
resources. The Parks and Recreation Element also
has connections to the Land Use Element. The land
use map identifies existing and proposed park sites,
trails, and recreational facilities and helps determine
the compatibility of adjacent land uses.
A number of California statutes address the
provision of community parks and recreational
amenities. Government Code Section 65560
requires that the General Plan include a discussion
of areas particularly suited for parks and
recreational purposes, including areas with links
between major recreation and open space
reservations and trails. Section 65561 states that the
preservation of park land is necessary not only for
the maintenance of the economy, but also for the
continued assurance of land for recreation and the
enjoyment of scenic beauty. The statutory
references for park land dedications are found in the
Subdivision Map Act. Specifically, Government
Code Sections 66477 and 66479 enable local
governments to require park site dedications, or fees
in lieu of dedication, as conditions of subdivision
and parcel map approval. Recreational land uses are
included in the description of land use elements in
Section 65302(a). Trail designations are also
required as part of Section 5076 of the Public
Resources Code.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment, a
supporting document to the General Plan, includes a
comprehensive discussion and evaluation of existing
and proposed public park and recreation facilities in
the community.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS �pN .. _�
LA S S
Buildout of the General Plan. land use scenario is
expected to add approximately 183,730 residents to
the planning area, resulting in a total buildout
population of about 207,970 (see Land Use
Element). This population growth will increase the
demand for parks and recreation facilities. Quimby
Act standards can be used to determine the number
of neighborhood and community park acres needed
to adequately serve the buildout population. The
Quimby Act allows local governments to exact from
developers of residential subdivisions, the dedication
of parkland or in -lieu fees, or both, and establishes a
standard of 3.0 acres of parkland per 1,000
population. Applying this standard to the estimated
General Plan buildout population, a total of 1,040
acres of neighborhood and community parks will be
required to adequately serve the planning area. The
City's goals, policies and programs reflect the need
for these services.
The City requires that on -site retention basins be
incorporated into new development projects to
manage project -generated runoff and 100-year
stormwaters. When properly designed, engineered,
and maintained, retention basins can potentially be
used as viable park and recreation sitss. Careful
consideration must be given to a bas' s design to
assure adequate and safe accessibil' y for visitors,
while still maintaining the basin' rimary function
as a stormwater management fa ' ity.
_o — 4. ,L.
029
mom
the
ited
n of
.
t1olicy 5.3: `t`he City shall continue to consult and
Coordinate with CVAG, the Southern California
Association cif' Governments, and Sunline Transit
Agency in the development and coordination of
i»uss transit services linking residential, commercial
and resort centers within the City.
Program 5.4: Sunline Transit Agency shall
continue to review site plans for new development to
assure adequate and properly located bus turnouts,
bus lanes and other mass transit provisions, where
necessary. •�
Program 5.5: The City shall encourage employers
to promote programs which reduce the number of
single -occupancy vehicle trips to work, including
carpooling, telecommuting, Park and Ride, and flex
work schedules.
Policy 6
New development shall be designed and constructed
in a manner which minimizes the emission of
project related pollutants.
Program 6.1: Applicants shall submit detailed air
quality analyses for all proposed projects which
meet or exceed any of the SCAQMD pollutant
emission threshold criteria, as established by the
most recent version of the SCAQMD CEQA Air
Quality Handbook.
Program 6.2: The City shall continue to maintain
and enforce a Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance.
Projects determined to have a potentially significant
impact on ambient air quality shall be required to
propose and implement mitigation measures which
reduce impacts to insignificant levels, in accordance
with the Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance.
Program 6.3: The City shall review new
development plans to assure that the location and
design of parking lots, loading zones, and pedestrian
walkways maximize vehicular and pedestrian
efficiency to the greatest extent practical.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Program 6.4: Developers shall be encouraged to
maintain the natural topography of a site through the
use of techniques such as contour grading, to -the
greatest extent possible, and to minimize the amount
of mass clearing, excavation, cut and fill operations
required for development.
Policy 7
The City shall continue to cooperate with local,
regional, state and federal efforts to monitor and
manage pollutants of regional concern.
Program 7.1: Support and participate in CVAG,
SCAG and SCAQMD efforts to monitor and
minimize regional air pollutants.
Program 7.2: Continue to support and implement
the provisions of the State Implementation Plan for
PM10 in the Coachella Valley.
Policy 8
The City shall promote the development and use of
alternative, clean energy sources for transportation,
heating, cooling and ventilation.
Program 8.1: To the greatest extent practical, new
development shall incorporate energy -efficient
design measures to reduce the need for heating and
cooling. Such measures may include the use of
trees for shade and windbreaks, and thoughtful site
orientation of buildings and other structures.
030
029
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
PURPOSE
Biological resources are an integral part of the
Coachella Valley environment. The unique
geographic and geophysical conditions of the valley
have created an environment for many diverse and
occasionally highly specialized communities of
plants and animals. The Biological Resources
section of the Natural Resources Element
establishes the goals, policies and programs relating
to the preservation of valuable biological resources
occurring within La Quinta and the surrounding
area.
BACKGROUND
The Biological Resources section is directly related
to the Land Use and Open Space Elements, as each
of these carefully considers the location and
compatibility of various land uses. The Biological
Resources section is also related to the Parks and
Recreation section of the Public Services and
Infrastructure Element, as they both reflect the
community's enjoyment of and commitment to
wildlife resources.
California Government Code Section 65302(d)
requires that the General Plan include an element
which addresses the conservation or preservation of
wildlife resources. It also requires that the element
and supporting documentation provide inventories
of natural vegetation, fish and other wildlife,
including rare and endangered species and their
habitat.
A thorough discussion of the existing biological
resources within the City and the surrounding area,
and the City's on -going efforts to preserve them, is
provided in the La Quinta Master Environmental
Assessment (MEA).
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Development associated with buildout of the
proposed General Plan will have the cumulative
effect of removing native animal and plant species,
as well as breeding and foraging habitat, and
introducing non-native plant species to the
ecosystem. As development continues on the valley
floor and alluvial slopes, native habitat and plant
communities will be converted to urban uses.
\J
S'� �
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft Gen atural Resources Element
r Y*�r of " % w
The City must develop specific steps to preserve and
'protect the long-term viability of sensitive species
and habitat. Land use designations should permit
development only in locations and at intensities that
are likely to be compatible with sensitive species.
Proposals for new development must be carefully
reviewed to assure that adequate landscaping, buffer
zones and open space are incorporated into public
and private projects.
The continued implementation of community
planning and development regulations, including the
Zoning, Subdivision and Hillside Conservation
Zone Ordinances, will contribute to the preservation
of important biological resources. This can also be
accomplished through the integration of biological
resources and open space/conservation principles
into public works projects, including road and
highway development, and the design and
construction of stormwater detention basins and
drainage basins.
osi �
�- 030
R RESOURCES
1110Sl
The quality and quantity of water available for
currrm and future needs within the City and its
pltarming area are critical to a healthy community.
The City's continued cooperation and coordination
with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
and other water purveyors is an important aspect of
water resource management. The Water Resources
.sanction must be closely coordinated with the land
►►se, public infrastructure and services, and natural
resources elements of the General Plan. Its
availability affects the provision of fire protection to
the community and its economic development.
BACKGROUND
Water Resources are addressed in California
Government Code Section 65302(d). The California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section
31083.2(g), mandates that the City research and
document, or cause to be researched and
documented, the potential impacts to this important
natural resource.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment
(MEA) includes a complete discussion of the
region's water resources, and of the efforts being
made to conserve and replenish water sources
throughout the Valley.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Buildout of the General Plan will not significantly
change the character of the City of La Quinta, but
will considerably increase the number of residential
units and non-residential land uses which require
water. A total of 78,952 residential units could be
constructed in the planning area, including both
existing and future units. The plan can also
accommodate a total of 19,137,651 square feet of
commercial space, and 28,835,849 square feet of
business park and industrial space.
New development associated with General Plan
buildout will increase the demand for domestic
water, and can have an impact on the direction and
pollution of surface water throughout the planning
area.
Continued conservation, replenishment and the
implementation of new technology as it becomes
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
available, will help to preserve this important natural
resource. The City's support of the water purveyors
in the planning area will continue to be important to
the quality of life in the City.
WATER RESOURCES GOAL, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
The careful management and conservation of the
City's water resources.
d
C
icy 1City shal ensu at an adequate supply of
er is availab o its residents and businesses.
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to implement
its Water Conservation Ordinance, and shall review
and update it periodically to ensure the
implementation of the most up-to-date technology in
new development.
Program 1.2: The Building Department shall
ensure that all plumbing fixtures in new
development and remodeling projects conform to
applicable California statutes and codes.
Program 1.3: The City shall continue to request
comments from the appropriate water purveyors
when reviewing development projects.
Program 1.4: The City shall support public
education programs which encourage conservation
as they are implemented by the Coachella Valley
Water District (CVWD) and/or the Myoma Dunes
Mutual Water Company.
Policy 2
The City shall continue to promote groundwater
recharge efforts.
Program 2.1: The City shall cooperate with the
CVWD in the location of future recharge areas
within the planning area.
[development
am 2.2: The City shall continue to implement
n-site retention requirements for new
proposals, as a way of recharging
water.
0342
031.
TN/City of La Quinta
aructure & Public Services Elemen
Chapter 7
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES ELEMENT
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Infrastructure and Public
Services Element is to identify and establish the
City's goals, policies and programs pertaining to
the provision of public utilities and municipal
facilities and services. The issues addressed in this
element include the following:
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Protection
• Public Education
• Public Libraries
• Domestic Water
• Sanitary Sewer
• Stormwater Management
• Electricity
• Telephone
• Natural Gas
• Solid Waste Disposal
• Cable
The intensity and economic viability of a
community's residential, commercial and industrial
development are dependent upon the level of public
services and utilities available. The provision of
adequate potable water, wastewater treatment
facilities and other public utilities is essential to the
orderly growth and development of the community.
Similarly, adequate fire and police protection, public
education and medical care are essential components
of long-term community planning.
BACKGROUND
The Infrastructure and Public Services Element and
the Land Use Element are closely related to one
another. The location of existing utilities, schools,
fire stations, and other municipal facilities influences
the type and intensity of development that can be
supported within a given area. Likewise, existing
land use patterns provide some guidance in
determining the demand for and location of future
municipal buildings and public utility extensions.
The location of such public facilities is also an
important consideration in the Circulation, Park and
Recreation, Environmental Conservation, and
Environmental Hazards Elements of the Plan.
A variety of state regulations are applicable to public
utilities and infrastructure issues. California
Government Code Section 65302(d) requires that
the General Plan address the conservation,
development, and utilization of natural resources,
including water. Related to this is the provision of
wastewater treatment facilities, natural gas, and
electricity. According to Section 65103(c), the
planning agency must "annually review the capital
improvement program of the city of county and the
local public works projects of other local agencies
for their consistency with the General Plan." A
number of state government codes also apply to the
provision of public and quasi -public services and
facilities. Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that a General Plan include a Safety
Element, or its equivalent, that addresses the
protection of the community from unreasonable
risks associated with fire, crime or other threats.
According to Government Code Section 65302(a),
the General Plan must also address the location,
distribution and adequacy of local educational
facilities. This Element provides a meaningful
framework from which to comply with state law.
A comprehensive discussion and evaluation of
existing public and quasi -public services within the
planning area is provided in the La Quinta Master
Environmental Assessment.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
The current population of the planning area,
including Bermuda Dunes and T, hermal, is
approximately 35,025 residents. Buildout of the
General Plan land use scenario is expected to result
in an additional 183,730 residents, for a total area
population of about 207,970. Over the long term,
such growth will increase the demand for additional
public services and facilities, including fire
protection, law enforcement services, public schools
and library facilities. AO
Public Schools
Population growth can result in a substantial
increase in the number of students enrolling in
public schools and can strain existing school
facilities and programs. Student enrollment
associated with future development can be estimated
by applying student generation rates, as deteil�
032
Policy 3
The City shall coordinate emergency preparedness
and response plans with surrounding cities and
service providers.
Program 3.1: The City shall continue to review,
publicize and update its Multi -Hazard Functional
Plan (MHFP), as appropriate, to ensure that
comprehensive emergency procedures are enacted in
response to the threat of major emergencies.
Program 3.2: The City shall coordinate the
updating of emergency procedures in the MHFP
with the Riverside County Fire Department,
paramedic services, and local and regional health
care providers.
Policy 4
The City shall coordinate with the Riverside County
Sheriff's Department to provide a high level of
police protection to City residents and businesses at
full buildout.
Program 4.1: The City shall work with the
Riverside County Sheriff's Department to assure
adequate police staffing and facilities are provided to
meet the demands of existing and future
development.
Program 4.2: The City shall coordinate with the
Riverside County Sheriff's Department to promote
community involvement in crime prevention,
including neighborhood watch programs, anti -drug
campaigns, and other citizen -based efforts.
EDUCATION FACILITIES GOAL
Educational facilities and services that are adequate
and convenient to all City residents and enhance the
quality of life within the community.
Policy 1
The City shall assist and coordinate with the Desert
Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and
Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD)
to assure that high quality public educational
facilities and personnel are provided to serve City
students.
Program 1.1: City staff shall review development
proposals of the DSUSD and CVUSD to ensure
that an adequate number of schools and school
personnel are provided to serve the City's existing
and future student population.
Draft Genei
y of La Quinta
rvices Elemen
Program 1.2: The City shall work closely with
DSUSD and CVUSD to determine the location of
existing and future school facilities. School sites
shall be compatible with surrounding land uses,
convenient to the students they serve, and protected
from excessive noise and traffic conditions to the
greatest extent practical.
Policy 2
Where feasible and beneficial to the community, the
City shall continue to enter into joint use
development agreements with DSUSD and CVUSD
for the shared purchase, use and/or maintenance of
lands for recreational purposes.
Policy 3
The City shall support the process of securing
school impact mitigation fees from developers in
accordance with state law.
Policy 4
The City shall promote higher education
tities for Cit residents. Y w d PW 14m 4.1: City staff shall centaet--�aca�nd
f--post-gradaa'insfi u ions to determine tl' courses in local
district facilities.
Policy 5
The City shall coordinate with the Riverside County
Library System to assure that adequate library
space, volumes and services are provided to City
residents.
Program 5.1: The City, in conjunction with the
Riverside County Library System, shall promote the
development of educational programs and services,
such as bookmobiles and adult education classes,
that serve seniors, the disabled and other special
populations. i
[that
l
y 6 D'D N `
City shall investigate the feasibility of
ructing and operating its own library to assure
adequate library space and resources are
ded to City residents.
034
1
1
I
FA
S
1'
� Z
s
' r r
ENN JIB te- f."
Aft" I AL ):I A A R DS..E LEM ENT
5
The I rtvtt )tarttrtattal li azatrds l letnent includes those
hictors of the natural and rmtn-made environment
whiclt can pose a threat io the public health and
sal,ety. The components of the Environmental
Hazards Elc inctit include Hazardous Material,
Emergency Preparedness, Geologic and Seismic
Hazards, Flooding and Hydrology and Noise. Each
subject is discussed individually below, and its
followed by goals, policies and programs specific o
that topic of discussion.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PURPOSE
i<
The Hazardous Materials section of the
Environmental Hazards Element identifies goats,
policies and programs which are intended to safely
manage hazardous and toxic materials. The goa '
policies and programs established herein help
assure the safe use, transport, storage and disposal
of hazardous and toxic materials in the planning
area. The section reinforces the City's concern for
the protection of La Quinta residents and visitors
from adverse health and other impacts resulting
from the presence of hazardous materials in the
planning area.
BACKGROUND
Hazardous materials issues are closely related to
those addressed in the Land Use Element, as the
location of hazardous materials storage and disposal
sites affects and may potentially undermine land use
compatibility. Policies and programs set forth in the
Natural Resources Element are also related to
hazardous materials issues, as the management of
hazardous and toxic materials has a direct effect on
the preservation of clean air and the protection of
water resources against contamination. Fire
protection policies and programs established in the
Infrastructure and Public Services Element also
support the hazardous materials section in their
effort to provide adequate protection from
environmental hazards, including spillage or upset
of hazardous and toxic materials.
TNICity of La Quinn,
r► intirntal lit►zards l lcment
California Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that the General Plan address safety issues,
including but not limited to hazardous materials.
County, state and federal agencies are largely
responsible for the control and regulation of such
materials.
Within the City of La Quints and its planning area,
hazardous and toxic material generators are largely
limited to households and small-scale agricultural
and commercial operations, such as service stations,
pesticide vendors and users, automotive dealers,
medical clinics and golf courses. A variety of
chemical products and elements may be considered
toxic or hazardous, including chemical fertilizers,
herbicides and pesticides, stored fuels and waste oil,
chemical solvents, and pool related chlorine
products. The improper use and management of
these products can potentially result in accidental
spills, illegal dumping, air emissions and other
uncontrolled impacts to the environment.
A discussion of the existing hazardous material
conditions in the planning area is provided in the La
Quinta Master Environmental Assessment (MEA).
The MEA also describes the regulatory environment
established to safely manage such materials.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Buildout of the proposed General Plan will result in
an increase in the amount of industrial designated
lands, particularly in the vicinity of the Thermal
Airport. Operations occurring within this area may
potentially utilize, store and generate toxic and
hazardous materials. Existing agricultural
operations will continue to utilize and store
pesticides, herbicides and related products. Buildout
of the proposed land use scenario will also result in
additional residential development, which is
expected to increase the generation of household
hazardous wastes.
The City of La Quinta is responsible for
coordinating with the appropriate agencies,
including the Riverside County Health Department,
Riverside County Fire Department and the Regional
Water Quality Control Board, for the effective
monitoring and regulation of hazardous materials
)b 035
___V_ V 034
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
management program
between appropriate local, county and state
personnel is essential for the protection of the
community from hazardous materials. Q
The City must also implement its own hazardous
materials monitoring programs. Upon annexation
of the Thermal community, the City will need to
carefully review development proposals for
industrial areas near the Thermal and Bermuda
Dunes Airports to assure that such developments
will not pose significant threats to public health or
the environment. The City must also maintain
current information regarding the location and
condition of hazardous materials sites, including
underground storage tanks and septic systems.
Local regulation of the transport of hazardous
materials through the community will help assure
adequate emergency response in the event of
emergency. The phased removal of septic tanks,
and the connection of existing and new development
to the Coachella Valley Water District's sewer
system, will help reduce the potential contamination
of the groundwater table.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GOALS,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
Protection of La Quinta residents, visitors and
property from the potential impacts associated with
the manufacture, use, storage, transport and disposal
of hazardous and toxic materials.
Policy 1
;1
The storage, transport and disposal of hazardous
and toxic materials shall comply with all City,
County, state and federal regulations.
3
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to cooperate
and coordinate with appropriate agencies in tl
enforcement of state and federal hazardous waste
management regulations.
Program 1.2: Prepare and distribute informational
materials to households and other generators of
hazardous waste, which explain proper hazardoAs
waste management techniques and disposal
procedures.
Program 1.3: The City shall continue to coordinate
with the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments, Riverside County Health Department,
Waste Management of the Desert and other
appropriate agencies to provide drop-off locations
for hazardous and toxic household products.
Policy 2
When required by the Department of
Transportation, notice to the City of La Quinta,
Riverside County Fire Department, Riverside
County Sheriff's Department and other appropriate
officials shall be required prior to the transport of
commercial hazardous materials through the City.
Program 2.1: The City shall coordinate with
appropriate departments and agencies to develop a
system for alerting emergency and medical facilities
of the transport of hazardous materials through the
community.
Policy 3
To the extent empowered, the City shall regulate the
generation, delivery, use and storage of hazardous
materials within the planning area.
Program 3.1: The City shall review development
applications carefully to ensure that the proposed
generation, storage and use of hazardous materials
will not jeopardize the public health or the
environment.
Program 3.2: The City Development Code shall be
amended to require special review of proposed
industrial developments in the vicinity of the
Thermal and Bermuda Dunes Airports which may
potentially generate or utilize hazardous or toxic
materials.
Program 3.3: The City shall develop and maintain a
comprehensive inventory of all -hazardous waste
sites within the planning area, including
underground fuel storage tanks with the potential to
release hazardous or toxic materials into the
environment.
Policy 4
To reduce the potential impacts of subsurface
sewage disposal systems on human health and the
environment, the City shall encourage, to the greatest
extent practical, the connection of new development
to the Coachella Valley Water District's sewage
collection system.
036
g,7
-- 035
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
PURPOSE
Emergency preparedness is a critical component of
the safety and welfare of the community. The
purpose of the Emergency Preparedness section of
the Environmental Hazards Element is to set forth
goals, policies and programs which help ensure the
City's preparation for natural and technological
emergencies. The City's exposure to potential
major seismic and flooding events cannot be
avoided, however, the City can anticipate and prepare
for such events through effective response
programs. The City must also prepare for
technological hazards, including fires, hazardous
materials spills and major traffic accidents.
The City can best prepare for potential emergencies
by utilizing four phases of comprehensive
emergency management: Mitigation, Preparedness,
Response and Recovery. "Mitigation" refers to
activities which eliminate or reduce the chance of
occurrence or the effects of an event.
"Preparedness" refers to activities directed at
planning response and recovery efforts of both
emergency responders and citizens. "Response"
refers to those activities which follow the occurrence
of an event. They are designed to provide
emergency assistance to victims of the event and to
reduce the likelihood of secondary damage.
"Recovery" refers to those activities directed at
restoring all systems and locales to pre -event status
or better. Short-term recovery is directed at
restoring all essential services to minimum operating
standards, while long-term recovery is directed at
cost recovery and a return to the Mitigation phase.
BACKGROUND
Emergency preparedness is directly related to other
issues discussed in the Environmental Hazards
Element, including geologic, seismic, flooding and
hazardous materials emergencies. Concern
regarding emergency preparedness is also
expressed in the Infrastructure and Public Services
Element, in that police and fire protection are critical
to the implementation of an effective emergency
response program. The Land Use and Circulation
Elements also establish policies and programs that
are relevant to emergency preparedness. The Land
Use Element determines land use compatibility and
has some bearing on the exposure of certain lands
D.
y of La Quinta
azards Element
to potentiu„ fiat al uN anu cnreats. The Circulation
Element defines available evacuation routes.
California Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that the General Plan address "the
protection of the community from any unreasonable
risks associated with the effects of seismically
induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground
failure ... and slope instability leading to mudslides or
landslides."
The Coachella Valley is subject to significant
geologic and seismic hazards, which can result in
loss of life and substantial property damage.
Communication between a large number of public,
quasi -public and private agencies is critical to the
effectiveness of emergency preparedness planning
and response. It is imperative that involved
agencies, including cities, utility purveyors, water
districts and emergency response agencies,
participate in on -going organizational meetings to
coordinate the provision of personnel, equipment
and supplies. An effective emergency response
program will plan for such disaster response efforts
as debris removal, emergency health care, the
provision of food and shelter, and the maintenance
of critical services such as transportation, water,
sewage and electricity.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment
(MEA) includes a thorough discussion of the City's
existing emergency preparedness programs and
responsibilities.
BUILDOUT NEEDS
►Development associated with buildout of the
proposed General Plan is expected to increase the
demand for emergency services. Buildout is
expected to result in an estimated 183,730 additional
residents in the planning area. The General Plan
land use scenario will allow for more tens
development in locations that are c rrently
undeveloped, particularly to the southea near the
Thermal community. The proposed lad use plan
will also accommodate the developmen of industrial
operations in the vicinity of the hermal and
Bermuda Dunes Airports. Continu d urbanization
will increase the potential risk of in uding structural
fires, traffic accidents and h roous materials
spills. &.Y• J v"' L
The City wi continue to c�rdi toemergency
response efforts with other appropriate a s and
1 ffl�
77
%.# 036
t V'OAL, 2
`1'lic pi-eservation, maintenance, rehabilitation,. and/or
rest0rsitiort Of cultural resources and prevention of
unnecessary destruction of or adverse effects to
such resources through city -sponsored or assisted
projccts and programs.
I'Itc City Tall make all reasonable efforts to protect
cultural r•csources under its regulatory authority.
Program 2.1.1: Adopt a proactive approach to
historic preservation in all city -sponsored or
assisted projects and programs to ensure the proper
protection of cultural resources.
Program 2.1.2: Implement the Secretary of the
inicrror's standards and guidelines for the
presc:.rvation, rehabilitation, or restoration of historic
buildings and structures, and in all city -sponsored
ter assisted projects and programs that may have
impacts on cultural resources.
Program 2.1.3: Seek federal and state funding for
historic preservation projects from all available
sources, including those provided under the
Community Development Block Grant Program, the
Calii'ornia Heritage Fund, and various programs
sponsored by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation.
Program 2.1.4: Explore the feasibility of
establishing a historic preservation revolving fund,
it) be financed by tax increments, and other
appropriate sources, for the acquisition, relocation,
renovation, rehabilitation, restoration, or
r•rconstruction of cultural resources.
Program 2.1.5: Consider the use of City
lZedevelopment funds for historic preservation
projects.
Policy 2.2
The city shall seek to increase its control and
influence, when necessary, over cultural resources
within its jurisdiction.
Program 2.2.1: Explore the feasibility of bond
issues to fund the acquisition, relocation, renovation,
rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction of
cultural resources, as authorized.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Cultural Resources Element
Program 2.2.2: Explore the prospect of a standing
Memorandum of Agreement with OHP that enables
the city to exercise increased local control over the
decision -making process on cultural resources
issues arising from NHPA Section 106 compliance.
Policy 2.3
The City shall continue to pursue the creation of a
cultural resources museum and repository for
resources.
GOAL 3
A system of incentives and regulations that will
encourage the preservation, maintenance,
rehabilitation, and/or restoration of cultural
resources and prevent the unnecessary destruction
of or adverse effects to such resources by private
development projects.
Policy 3.1
The city shall support incentives, assistance, and
opportunities for historic preservation available
through federal, state, or city programs.
Program 3.1.1: Develop the necessary procedures
to implement property tax reduction for owners of
cultural resources who enter into contracts to
preserve such resources, as provided by the Mills
Act.
Program 3.1.2: Encourage and assist owners of
qualified historic buildings to take advantage of
income tax credit provided in the 1986 Tax Reform
Act.
Program 3.1.3: Consider the creation of a financial
incentive program for property owners in the Cove
which provides funding for the preservation of the
architectural integrity of their homes.
Program 3.1.4: Continue to implement the existing
transfer of development rights/density bonus
program.
Program 3.1.5: Continue to implement the
application of the State Historic Building Code.
F
m 3.1.6: Waive or reduce permit fees for
historic preservation projects.
Program 3.1.7: Amend the city's Zoning Ordinance
to reflect historic preservation regulations and
incentives. 038
037
To: Jerry Herman, Community Development Director
From: Tom Kirk, Planning Commissioner
Date: October 12, 2001
Re: General Plan Review & Comments
Thank you for providing the draft General Plan and associated environmental documents
for my and others review. I am particularly pleased that copies have been provided in
locations that facilitate public review.
It is obvious that staff and the consultant, Terra Nova Planning, have put a lot of time
and energy into the document and the process. For what it is worth, I believe that the
document meets the requirements of California Government Code and is consistent with
sound planning practice. My review found no major internal inconsistencies and no fatal
flaws.
I have found some areas that could use some attention, improvement or
reconsideration. I have identified them below, by chapter. My strongest words and
recommendations are related to the vision represented by this document.
In my experience there are two types of General Plans in California, one type is
designed to meet the requirements of the law and protect the city from disruptive legal
challenges. The other type is certainly designed to be legally defensible, but its primary
goal is to present and shape a long-term vision for the community. This document falls
into the first camp. If that is the intent, ignore much of the rest of my general
commentary and consider the chapter -by -chapter thoughts and recommendations. If
we intend on presenting a vision for the community, this document fails to do so. It is
difficult for me to articulate what the vision for the community is after reading the plan.
This plan is an assortment of polices and programs and exhibits with no tie to an
overarching vision.
I am attaching a draft vision for the city. You may want to consider adding a vision
statement in the first few pages of the document. With a vision statement, it might be
easier to determine if the goals, policies and programs are appropriate. With the vision
statement I've attached as an example, I'd consider our land use program and
circulation patterns insufficient. While they meet the legal requirements, they do little
beyond verifying the status quo.
The greatest need for such a vision exists in the undeveloped areas. Simply re -
designating county land use with an equivalent city land use is insufficient. If we are
serious about some or all of the planning area becoming part of our city, we must be
more aggressive. I would start with the circulation pattern. I believe our expanded,
approximate 1 mile, grid circulation pattern will serve us well for the short term.
However, I do not look forward to the level of service D's peppering the "intersection
analysis" in our future'. While such LOS may be largely unavoidable, we, or the
039
County, should be much more aggressively planning for the future. A southeastern
corridor parallel to the mountains is needed. Such a corridor existed to serve tribal
development years agoz. While we curse a similar roadway during much of the year,
Highway III through the Coachella Valley, it is the primary commercial corridor, primary
frame of reference for visitors and residents alike, and most significant corridor' in the
Valley.
Without such a corridor, luring significant commercial development from the more
heavily traveled Rte. 86 in the future will be next to impossible. Without it, the natural
journeys along the mountains will become a function of multiple right and left turns at
the intersections of a geometric grid. To those who want to maintain a "rural" lifestyle,
a limited access, and in the short term, 2 lane byway paralleling the mountains is much
more consistent than the expanded grid.
Additionally, the land uses around Highway 86 should be viewed as major opportunity
areas. There is no area in the Coachella Valley that compares to the eastern portion of
the planning area in terms of rail, truck and air transportation access. We should
consider encouraging lot consolidations, industrial and commercial parks and mixed -use
opportunities beyond what is planned for the area around Desert Resorts Airport.
Other land uses in the planning area should also be ,olanned. Defaulting to current
designations risks further splintering the city into a series of planned developments that
have little or no relationship to the whole. While we should not plan individual parcels
at the scale of the General Plan exercise, major community facilities and corridors should
be planned. General locations for parks, fire stations and commercial centers should be
identified within the planning area.
I appreciate the political concerns. Aggressive and visionary planning in the
undeveloped areas of our city and the planning area risks alienating some. To not do so
now or in the near future risks creating a large city that is dangerously out of .fiscal
balance, with parts that have little to no relationship to the whole, and with
insurmountable congestion and land use problems.
SOME OTHER GENERAL THOUGHTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
• I concur with others that Bermuda Dunes should be removed from the study
area.
• The exhibits in the document make for interesting reading and are generally
concise. Could the rest of the document be more graphic? Pictures of parks,
community facilities, the mountains or community events could provide more
visual interest to the document. Including such graphics is relatively easier to do
and cost effective with today's software.
• While there is a program to provide an annual report on the implementation of
the General Plan, there appears to be little focus on implementation within the
general plan4. Some General Plans actual have an implementation chapter or an
attendant document that ties the vision, the General Plan goals, policies and
programs, with the budget and with major capital improvements. The linkage
also identifies the responsible party for getting the job done and provides a
1M
General Plan Comments, Tom Kirk 2
039
schedule. If the document is more about meeting basic legal requirements,
ignore the suggestion. If the document is to be a vision, let's make sure we
articulate the vision, and, more importantly, make sure the vision is
implemented.
CHAPTER SPECIFIC THOUGHS & RECOMMENTATIONS
1. Land Use
I fully support the "Dark Sky" Ordinance, Goal 2, Policy 10. However, I wonder how
effective it really is. The city is retaining a lighting expert to resolve parking lot lighting
issues. Perhaps we should retain that consultant or another to determine if not having
street lights makes much sense when we allow landscape lighting and nearby
developments, such as casinos, etc., seem to have much "leakage". Are we fighting a
losing battle? Should this battle be waged at more of a regional scale to have a real
effect?
Thank you for improving and expanding the description of the use of Specific Plans.
2. Circulation
Exhibit 3.3 should include cross sections for narrow local streets, such as those found
around the village.
Exhibit 3.8,Golf Cart Routes. It is not clear to me what the civic center icon on the north
side of Calle Tampico represents.
Thank you for eliminating the image corridors in the village.
3. Natural Resources Element
The background indicates that we have achieved the PM10 standards. I believe some
recent data suggests a backslide, you may want to check w/ SCAQMD or CVAG.
4. Environmental Hazards Element
Given the recent terrorists attacks, some mention of human -induced emergencies is
probably warranted. Given the much greater threat to our community from natural
emergencies, the policies and programs are appropriately targeted.
Exhibit 8.4. This exhibit might be misleading. Upon first glance, one might assume that
the categories, extreme, severe, etc. refer to the velocity of wind. Upon further reading,
it seems as though the categories have much more to do with soil types and exposure.
If that is the case, many of the areas listed as extreme or severe in the north and
central part of the city may no longer be such, as their exposure has been "mitigated"
by concrete and landscaping; in other words they have been developed since the 1967
and 1980 Soil Conservation Service studies from which this exhibit is derived. Exhibit
8.1 is probably sufficient to explain areas of potential wind erosion. While it is based on
04i
General Plan Comments, Tom Kirk 3
- 040
relatively old data as well, at least it does not lead the reader to believe that they might
be living in an extreme wind hazard area. I suggest dropping Exhibit 8.4.
Exhibit 8.5. Some commentary about Exhibit 8.5 might be warranted. Does city staff
believe this exhibit accurately depicts the current threat of flooding from a 100 year
event? If not, a note about the currency of this exhibit might help put some of the flood
threats into perspective.
� � I
General Plan Comments, Tom Kirk 4 041
v
"I"
LULAU
Vision Statement
City of la Quinta
Gem of the Desert
The Gera of the Desert is framed by the dramatic Cora/ Reef and Santa Rosa
Mountains This relationship drew our first settlers and this relationship
continues to draw quality people and quality development. The mountains and
their open spaces are to be forever protected. The La Quinta hotel provides the
most stunning reminder of the history of our city, and Indian artifacts from the
shores of the many advances and retreats of Lake Cahui//a dot our landscape.
We strive to protect and build upon the historic and pre historic heritage of our
community. Recent development trends have resulted in a bustling city of full -
and part-time residents To pro vide for their safety and well being, we w/ll
provide high levels offire, police and emergency protection. We will a/so provide
opportunities for recreation and other community services, for the old, the young
and al/ in between. Our infrastructure is keeping pace with our growth and w/ll
continue to do so. To meet expected trahic demands, we will build and expand
our major roadways This wi// not be enough and, sometimes, it will be too
much. Consequently, we w/l/ increase the efficiency Of our roadways through
technological and system improvements. We w/// encourage many alternatives
to the automobile and make pedestrians the circulation priority in our Vi//age and
in other civic and public spaces We demand quality development, particular/yin
and along our major streets Development will relate to our natural
surroundings and be water ehicient. As the city grows, it will balance land use
with economic and fsca/ considerations. Long-term fiscal health is critical to
protecting and pro viding the other aspects of our vision. Our city exists within
the larger Coachella Valley, To address issues that extend beyond our city
boundary, such as air quality and habitat protection, we will participate in and
support regional bodies and solutions.
043
General Plan Comments, Tom Kirk 5 042
Mr. Jerry Herman, Director
Community Development Department
City of La Quinta
l OCT
CITY Or L .AUum Ih
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Subject: Comments on Draft General Plan Documents
44-215 Villeta Drive
La Quinta, CA 92253
October 1, 2001
Enclosures: Comments on Draft Comprehensive General Plan, dated July 2001
Dear Jerry -
Pursuant to your recent memo, I am submitting herewith my comments, notes, and suggestions
relative to the latest Terra Nova update of the La Quinta General Plan, dated July 2001. This
submittal supercedes my previous submittal dated May 31, 2001..
For this iteration, I did not have a chance to prepare a separate set of comments for the Draft
General Plan and the Draft Master Environmental Assessment. However, the initial portion of
Page 1 generally pertains to both volumes. As is my nature, I have tried to be as thorough and in-
depth as possible.
In my past professional career, when I found myself chairing the review of detailed System
Specifications (not unlike these draft documents) I often found it helpful to publish each version
of the Draft on 3-hole punched paper, printed on one side only, . The Drafts would then be
bound in 3-ring binders. This method provides space on each facing page to print the comments
submitted by the various reviewers, for ready reference without having to shuffle through a lot of
separate documents. To minimize confusion, each page needs to be dated. With each successive
Draft cycle, a packet consisting of only the changed pages (also dated) can be issued, to inserted
into the binder by the various reviewers. Only after the final Draft has been approved by all
concerned are the final copies printed. Presuming we're still two or three Draft iterations away
from completion of the GP Update process, this would save printing costs, as well as streamlining
the process.
As usual, I have intended my input to be constructive in all respects, without intending to be
critical of the authors. If appropriate, I would be happy to meet with or entertain telephone calls
with Staff and/or Consultants to review or explain any of my comments.
Very truly y,=s,
r
Robert T. Tyler
Planning Commissioner
043
COMMENTS ON DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
DATED JULY, 2001
ROBERT TYLER, PLANNING COMMISSIONER
OCTOBER, 2001
GENERAL ISSUES - DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN, DTD JULY 2001:
(These same issues also apply to the Master Environmental Assessment)
1. Delete all references throughout the draft to the Bermuda Dunes area north of La Quinta
as a Planning Area. This includes references to the Bermuda Dunes Airport. Revise all
data, percentages, Land Use map, etc. to delete all Bermuda Dunes Planning Area
influences.
2. Is the Southeastern Planning Area reflected throughout this Draft geographically the same
as the area designated at the last City Council Public Hearing on this matter (12/ 19/00`?. )
3. I still can't understand why this Update has apparently been limited to data available for
1999 and 2000! This is a Planning Document for the future, and should certainly contain
the latest and greatest data available - right up to the moment of final approval. It should
certainly reflect the 2000 Census data which is currently available. Also, student
enrollment figures from CVUSD and DSUSD for 2000-2001 must be available by now
4. There is no Avenue 44 in our portion of the Coachella Valley. More than a decade ago,
Avenue 44 was renamed Fred Waring Drive between Highway 111 and Indio Boulevard.
5. Be consistent - the correct name of the airport located in the Thermal area is: "Desert
Resorts Regional Airport."
6. The main flood control channel through the Coachella Valley is NOT called the
WHITEWA TER RIVER! Find out and use the correct name.
7. All La Quinta City Maps and Exhibits need to be updated to show the most recently
annexed area at the NWC of Jefferson Street and Fred Waring Drive; the fact that Avenue
53 has been vacated east of Jefferson Street, in the Country Club of the Desert
development, plus any other significant changes in the last 18 months or so.
SPECIFIC DRAFT GENERAL PLAN COMMENTS:
1. Table 2.1: Suggest a possible new Land Use Designation of RURAL LIVING, which
would define small (5 to 10 acres) family residential farms. This might placate current
residents of the Southeastern Planning Area. (Contact the City of Hesperia for further
information)
2. Page 14: Last paragraph in RH column - Delete Bermuda Dunes and.
045
044
3. Table 2.2: Recalculate entries under Sphere and Planning Area, to delete Bermuda
Dunes Planning Area data. Don't understand the words Recommended Alternatives in
title.
4. Page 17, Policy 4: typo. Align the text after the last 2 bullets.
5. Page 19, Policy 4: Why include the words particularly those planned with golf courses?
6. Page 21,1" para: Paragraph needs editing. It currently rambles, does not employ correct
English, and is impossible to comprehend.
7. Page 23, Table 3.1:
• Delete (or correct) the many non -applicable street references, as follows:
Washington St.
Delete: I-1 D to Country Club (Palm Desert & Bermuda Dunes)
Delete: Country Club to Avenue 42 (Palm Desert & Bermuda Dunes)
Change: Avenue 42 to Fred Waring Drive to Darby Road to Fred Waring
Drive.
Jefferson Street
Change to read: Country Club to Fred Waring Drive.
Country Club Drive
Delete: Oasis Street to Washington St. (Palm Desert)
Fred Waring Drive
Delete: Oasis Club to Washington (Palm Desert & Indian Wells.
Also, Oasis Club terminates at Hovley St. & does not
intersect with Fred Waring Drive)
Upgrade the Designation of the entire length of Fred Waring to Major, as
currently designated in the 1992 GP.
Miles Avenue
Delete: Hwy 111 to Washington (Indian Wells)
Add: Washington to Jefferson. (North side of Miles is in La Quinta all
along this stretch. South side of Miles is in La Quinta from Washington St.
to Dune Palms).
8. Exhibits 3.2 thru 3.4: These are not currently cited in the text. Probably should be
called -out in the Is' paragraph, last sentence, on page 28, where it says the following
Tables list ...
9. Page 28, last para. RH column: Change As shown below to read As shown in Table 3.2.
046
10.
11.
Table 3.2: Intersections: Change as follows:
Washington Street at:
Delete: Country Club Dr.
Delete: Hovley Ln.
(Palm Desert/Bermuda Dunes)
(Palm Desert/Bermuda Dunes)
Jefferson Street at:
Delete: Country Club Dr. (Bermuda Dunes)
NOTE: There currently is no Traffic Si n�ai at this intersection
Change: Ave. 44 to Fred Waring Drive.
NOTE: There currently is no Traffic Signal at the intersection of Jefferson
St. and Miles Avenue. Also, I do not believe there currently are Traffic
signals at several of the intersections shown for Madison St, Jackson, or
Harrison St.
Page 30: I believe the correct name of a golf cart program is Golf Cart Transportation
Program.
12. Exhibit 3.5: The roadway classification markings on this Exhibit completely overwhelm
the background map. This makes it virtually impossible to tell what's going on. For
example, Highway 111 through La Quinta barely shows up at all. The comparable exhibit
on page 3-9 of the 1992 GP is much easier to read and comprehend.
Also, it appears that on the latest version of this Exhibit, both Adams St. and Dune Palms
Road have been downgraded from Primary Arterials to Secondary Arterials, between
Highway I I I and Avenue 48. Were these changes intentional?
13. Exhibits 3.5 & 3.6 & 3.10: Suggest that the following Note from the Palm Desert Golf
Transportation Plan appear on all these pages: "NOTE: All streets with 25 MPH speed
limits and all streets in residence and business districts are Class III golf cart routes. "
Without this proviso, the Phase I and Phase II Plans are totally inadequate, because neither
plan provides adequate Golf Cart access to the bulk of our residents. ALSO, the text
(Policy 7) talks to using golf carts on the multi -purpose trails. Shouldn't this be reflected
on Exhibit 3.6?
14. Exhibits 3.7 & 3.8: These exhibits are not cited in the text until page 40. Suggest they be
relocated (and renumbered) so as to appear immediately after the page where they are
cited.
15. Page 37, 2°d para, LH Column: The language here (and perhaps many other places)
needs closer scrutiny regarding the use of should vs. shall. The General Plan is supposed
to map out what the City shall do, not what it is should do.
047
�- 046
16. Page 38, Program 2.2: Certainly, this Policy should be applied to Washington Street, a
major arterial as well as to the other major and primary arterials. However, since Adams
Street has now been down graded to a secondary arterial (see Exhibit 3.5), it probably
should not be subject to this policy. ALSO, the objectives of Policy 2.2 seem to be
countermanded by Policy 2.3, which substantially reduces the intersection spacing on
major Arterials. In my opinion, Policy 2.3 is a giant step backward for La Quinta.
17. Page 39, Program 4.1: typo(?). vocal should be local.
18. Programs 2.3 through 2.8: These paragraphs seem to put into text what was previously
shown graphically in Table CIR-2 of the old GP. The old way was clearer, more concise,
and easier to refer to.
19. Page 36, Program 6.2: Who's idea was this? Generally, the 4-day, 10 hour and the 9
day, 80 hour work week programs have been proven to not very efficient in terms of
employee productivity. Page 37 already talks to the TDM program, including work flex-
time. That should be sufficient. Suggest Program 6.2 be deleted. The City should not be
dictating the working hours of our local businesses.
20. Program 7.4: See previous note. Why single out only the residents of The Cove for
special Golf Cart privileges? The General Plan applies to all La Quinta Residents. Also,
the Specific street crossings for golf carts onto collectors and arterials cbMide are spelled
out in the approved Golf Cart Transportation Plan. Suggest this be Program be deleted.
21. Program 7.5: Delete. This should be part of the approved Golf Cart Transportation
Plan.
22. Policy 10: The airport in Palm Springs is the Palm Springs International Airport.
23. Policy 11: I don't understand the 1 ' sentence Streets within planned residential areas.
All of our residential areas are "planned" - they just don't just grow like Topsy! I presume
this Policy is intended to apply to Private residential communities (gated or otherwise).
Re -word, please.
24. Policy 12: Suggest delete U.S. Interstate 10. This is controlled by the Federal
Government, not by La Quinta!
25. Program 13.1: The correct street name is Fred Waring Drive.
26. Page 37, Policy 14: Suggest the word minimum be inserted between streets and
landscape.
27. Page 42: 2nd paragraph in the RH column.: Does the 66,811 new housing elements at
buildout figure include the previous Bermuda Dunes planning area? If so, adjust.
047
28. Page 44?: Add new Policy - The City shall encourage CVWD to landscape their various
existing, barren future well sites within La Quinta, to convert these into mini -
neighborhood parks for the enjoyment of City residents.
29. Page 50, Policy 1: Our City doesn't have any industrial facilities! So why is this #1 on
the hit parade?
30. Page 50, Policy/Program Statements 1.2, 2, and 3.1: Why the emphasis on Industrial
Developments, when La Quinta has none?
31. Page 50, Program 5.1: Add Golf Cart Transportation Plan to the mix of conservation
alternatives.
32. Page 52, Energy Resources: Do the data in the last sentence reflect the projected totals -
including the Bermuda Dunes planning area? If so, revise.
33. Page 53, Program 2.2: Change the first word vehicles to vehicle fleet in the second line.
Converting existing vehicles is not as cost effective as replacing the entire fleet with
alternative fuel vehicles, on an attrition basis.
34. Page 53, Goal 2 & Policies 4 & 5: The previous page just got through saying that La
Quinta has virtually no mineral resources to speak of. Why this big effort to preserve
what doesn't exist?
35. Page 62, Program 1.3: Is it really necessary for this city to do this? Aren't there already
a cast of thousands of experts from various environmental "protection" organisations that
already do this?
36. Page 66, Program 1.1: La Quinta's Water Conservation/Efficiency Ordinance has been
the subject of much discussion at the last several meetings of the Planning Commission.
The current Ordinance was loosely adapted from an all-purpose Ordinance intended for
use throughout the State. Few people can understand and/or implement it in its present
form. A new, water conservation Ordinance is currently being drafted by CVWD. This
will be specifically tailored to the special needs of the Coachella Valley. Once this new
draft Ordinance has been completed, it needs to be reviewed and approved for
incorporation into La Quinta's Zoning Code.
37. Page 64, Program 1.2: Insert the words all future or Amended between for and
Specific....
38. Page 66, Program 1A Delete and/or the Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company, and
substitute and other appropriate water purveyors
39. Page 67, Program 2.3: Last line, treater should be treated.
I •
40. Page 68, Future Buildout Needs: Delete the reference to Bermuda Dunes, and delete
their population data from the figures presented.
41. Page 69, Potable Water. Delete the last sentence pertaining to the Myoma Dunes Mutual
Water District.
42. Page 69, Surface Water & Storm Drainage: 2' paragraph - Widening of the
Washington Street bridge over the Evacuation Channel was completed at least a year ago.
Widening of the Eisenhower Drive bridge has not been completed - or even started! That
project is included on the CIP list for 2001/02??
43. Page 71, Program 4.1: Why is this restricted to only post -graduate institutions? "Post
Graduate" generally implies after graduation from a 4-year Institution of Higher Learning.
If this was intended to apply to after High School graduation, some other term should be
used. The City should be encouraging continuing education at all levels, from High
School (GED programs) on through Post Graduate (as defined above).
44. Page 71, Program 5.1: Again - why so restrictive. The City should promote these
programs for all its residents.
45. Page 72, Program 2.2: As written, this paragraph is likely to inflame those residents of
Thermal who do not wish to be annexed to La Quinta! Why not broaden to state that as
areas of the Southeastern Planning area are annexed, the city will ....... (without
specifically mentioning Thermal).
46. Page 72, Programs 1.1 & 1.2: Delete references to the Myoma Dunes Mutual Water
District.
47. Page 73, Programs 2.1 & 2.2: Substitute Verizon for General Telephone & Electric.
48. Page 75, 1"' full LIB paragraph: Delete and Bermuda Dunes
49. Page 76, Policy 4: Don't understand use of the term encourage. All new development in
the existing city of La Quinta must hook-up to the CVWD sewer system Was this
intended to refer to newly annexed areas?
50. Page 77, Future Buildout Needs: Clarify whether the 183,730 additional residents
pertains only to the planning area(s), or the buildout of the existing city plus the planning
area(s).
Also, delete the reference to the Bermuda Dunes airport.
51. Page 79, Future Buildout Needs: Do the estimates here include the Bermuda Dunes
Planning Area? If so, adjust the numbers as appropriate.
050
52. Exhibit 8.1 Geological Map and Engineering Properties: Don't understand the words
and Engineering Properties in the title. Better title might be Geological Properties Map.
53. Exhibits 8.1, 8.29 8.39 8.4 & 85.: there do not appear to be any citations in the text for
these Exhibits.
54. Exhibit 8.4 Wind Hazard Map: What is the purpose of including this map? What is it
based on? Wind in the Coachella Valley is a fact of life. When did it become a HAZARD?
As Ben Franklin once said " Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything
about it" - or words to that effect. Perhaps another more descriptive word could be
substituted for "hazard" in the title of this Exhibit - such as Wind Characteristics Map or
simply Wind Map.
55. Page 87, Policy 2 & Program 2.1: Evacuation routes should be established for the entire
City, not just the Cove. This should be part of the Multi -Hazard Functional Plan and/or
the Emergency Operations Plan.
56. Page 88, Noise & Land Use: Just because the State of California has decided to raise
maximum exterior noise from 60 to 65 dBA CNEL, why should we? The City is certainly
not obligated to follow the State's lead here. Recommend we retain the 60 dBA CNEL,
to at least try to keep our quaint little city quiet.
57. Page 88, Future Buildout Needs: Do the estimates here include the Bermuda Dunes
Planning Area? If so, adjust the numbers as appropriate.
Also, the reference to Table 8.1 should be to Table 8.2.
58. Page 89, Table 8.1: This Table is not cited in the text.
59. Page 90, Table 8.2: Delete all those street segments that are not in La Quinta or the
Southeast Planning Area. Change Avenue 44 to Fred Waring Drive.
60. Page 91, Program 1.1: See previous comments re 60 VS. 65 dBA CNEL.
61. Page 92, Cultural Resources Element: For whatever reason, Chapter 9 is currently
devoid of any references to Planning areas and/or annexation! How refreshing. Suggest
some sort of blanket statement be added to the effect that as additional properties are
62. annexed to the City, the on -going Historic Preservation Goals, Policies and Programs will
be expanded to include the new portions of the City.
63. General Plan Map (Recommended):
• Needs extensive renovations, per all of the above!
• At least it shows Fred Waring Drive, instead of Avenue 44!
0 Does this Map reflect the City Council's current thinking about SOI and the
Southeast Annexation area?
• What is P Floating Park Designation, some sort of new water feature??
051
050
<0
FROM: Ron Perkins ��' a� 4 October 2001
RE: Suggestions Regarding Tra for the General Plan:
1. Bicycle Lanes: Because in most cases, asphalt is laid
adjacent to concrete leaving a ridge that could be dangerous,
lanes should be a minimum of six feet wide.
2. Pavement markings: in speed zones of 45 miles per hour
or higher or wherever else warranted , the speed limit should
be painted on all lanes of the roadway adjacent to the posted
speed limit signs.. (Use Cal -Trans Trafic Manual for sizes)
3. Left Turn Pockets: Wherever possible, left turn pocket
lengths should be a minimum of 10 feet long per posted mile
ie: 50 miles per hour would reguire 500' of left turn
pocket ... this would provide storage capacity for 25 vehicles
as well as providing de -acceleration for the motorist in
the left turn pocket rather than in the #1 (fast lane) so
as not to interfere with the speeds of vehicles behind them.
4. Wherever possible, dual left turn pockets should each be
a minimum of 6' long for each posted mile ie: 300' for each
lane in a 50 miles per hour zone thus providing storage
capacity for a total of 30 vehicles. These same ratios should
apply to all spe* zones.of 40mph or greater wherever possible.
5. All Traffic signal lights should be equipped with the new
LED lenses as soon as possible to provide better visibility.
6. Medians: Raised medians need to be no wider than 12 to
14 feet including curbing. Wider medians use up too much roadway
and increase maintenance costs. Double -double median painted
lines need not be wider than 12 feet including the double yellow
line and the white barrier line.
The end of the left turn raised median (at the intersection)
should be set back 10' to 15' with 10' to 15' of double -double
yellow lines continuing from both sides to the the intersection.
Painted medians should have a "cigar -nose" front giving the
turning motorist a easier left turn. The "cigar -nose "should
be 15-20 feet in length from the tip of the "nose.
7. Parking: Parallel parking should consist of 20'/20'/8'red/
20'/20'/8'red/20'/20' etc. (marked stalls). Parking should
be prohibited within 20' of an intersection or within 6of
an alley or as necessary in other hazardous situations.
Angle parking.om public streets or on parking lots open to the
public should be a minimum of 7' to 8' wide with additional
11" wide double lines on both sides.
0 5 2
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TN/City of La Quints
Draft General Plan/Administration Element
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION AND ADMINISTRATION
INTRODUCTION
This section of the General Plan provides
background on the General Plan, its organization,
the Plan's function and its relationship to other
documents, including the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), the Subdivision Map Act, and
the Development Code. Also within this section are
descriptions 7of General Plan review and amendment
procedures. The Element also sets forth a goal,
policies and programs intended to effectively
administer the General Plan.
The Administration Element includes provisions for
the periodic review and amendment of the General
Plan to ensure that the Plan is maintained and kept
current with changing conditions.
California Government Code (Sect' 65300)
requires that incorporated communitie d counties
prepare and adopt a comprehensi long-term
General Plan -which regulates physical
development of lands under t s Lion of, or
having an influence upon, the co u ity, including
the City's legally recognized phere-of-Influence.
This General Plan incorpor tes the incorporated
boundaries of the City of Quinta, its sphere -of -
influence, and tie plann' g areas which are not
currently within the City'sphere—,,of—influence:"
Berintidel and the Southeast
Planning Area.
The General Plan and its various elements are
required to function as an integrated, internally
consistent and compatible statement of policies
(Government Code Section 65300.5).
Special local conditions and circumstances result in
a General Plan which may take differing forms and
still meet .minimum requirements (Government
Code Section 65300.7). The General Plan must be
responsive to the variations in density, land use and
development issues, and the needs of each
community's residents (Government Code Sections
65300.9, 65302).
Format and Content
The La Quinta General Plan is composed of three
documents: the Master Environmental Assessment
(MEA), which presents the background on each
chapter; the General Plan Policy Document, which
provides goals, policies and programs; and the
General Plan Environmental Impact Report, which
analyses implementation and buildout of the
General Plan, and provides mitigation measures.
The La Quinta MEA and General Plan Policy
Document are organized into nine major chapters:
Administration, Land Use, Traffic and Circulation,
Open Space, Parks and Recreation, Natural
Resources, Infrastructure and Public Services,
Environmental Hazards and Cultural Resources.
The Housing Element, also mandated by law, has
been prepared as a freestanding document.
Goals, Policies and Programs
General P�lann goals are developed as broad
s a'f'fe'me'nts re— tflecting e it s values, aims and
aspirations7nese goals address the p ysical
eve o ment o t e i as reservation
o e communit s �importan environments and
Eultural assets.
Policies have been developed to accomplish the
foals of the General Plan, and set forth specific
perform_ an_ce rf quirements for each element.
Programs provide quantitative and au litative tareets
o implement the policies in the Plan.
Maps and Graphics
Maps and graphics are incorporated into all three
sections of the General Plan. They include land use
and circulation patterns, natural resources and
hazards, and public infrastructure. These maps carry
equal authority to the goals and policies of the
General Plan.
Elements
California Government Code Section 65302
establishes the seven (7) mandatory elements of the
General Plan: Land Use, Circulation, Housing,
Conservation, Open Space, Safety, and Noise. O 5
4 5 �#
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Administration Element
All of the mandated elements are found within this
General Plan. This document integrates mandatory
and discretionary elements into nine major chapters
which demonstrate compliance with State
requirements that the General Plan be internally
consistent. Each chapter of the General Plan has
equal legal authority.
Land Use Element
The Land Use Element focuses gn the distribution
o an uses, the intensity o residentia commerc
a n o f e r e v _e n t
es. Buildout of the General Plan is address�eT-
o'6" t� -in terms of total residential units and
commercial and industrial square footage, both in
the City and its Planning Area.
Traffic and Circulation Element
The Circulation Element addresses the roadways
required to implement the Land Use Element.
Analysis is provided to show the required location
and size of roadways, the future needs for transit
systems and the ultimate buildout of the City's trail
system.
Open Space Element
The Open Space Element relates to the preservation
and management of open space lands. The Element
supports the City's desire to conserve some of its
most valuable assets, including wildlife habitat,
watersheds, and agricultural and scenic resources.
Parks and Recreation Element
The Parks and Recreation Element guides the
development of parks, trails, bikeways and other
recreational facilities throughout the City. The
provision of passive and active recreation
opportunities reflects and enhances the
community's quality of life.
Natural Resources Element
This chapter describes the resources of the physical
natural environment, including man-made artifacts
and other natural resources. The Natural Resources
Element includes sections on:
• Air Quality
• Energy and Mineral Resources
• Biological Resources
• Paleontological Resources
• Water Resources
Infrastructure & Public Services Element
This Element addresses the long-term provision of
adequate levels of essential public facilities and
services in concert with the level of development
anticipated in the City. This Element includes
sections on:
• Law Enforce n
• Fire Prot c o
• Public E ion ,
• Public L r
• Dome 'c
• S ani
• St r a nt
• ectricity
• Telephone
• Natural Gas
• Solid Waste Disposal
ental Hazards ent
This Element escribes the hazards of the physical
environment, including man-made hazardous
conditions and toxic materials. The Environmental
Hazards chapter of the General Plan includes the
following elements: 01
• HazardousP14 ecerials
• Emer y Preparedness
• G is and Seismic Hazards
Flo ding an
• Noise
a15vk1. ?6im,41040,
Cultural Resources Element
ultural Resourc ent addresses issues
related to cu ura and historic resources in the City
and planning area. The Element provides extensive
policies and programs to guide the City's
implementation of the protection of these resources.
Using The General Plan
The General Plan is the foundation upon which all
ian4 use aecisions are to. be based. The Flan is a
comprehensive information and planning guide
established by State law to provide a framework for
making informed decisions about the future of the
community. The General Plan MEA and Policy
Document, and supporting environmental
documentation provide the basis for a rational nexus
to support development, mitigation measure and
exactions.
056
5 05
t
I� All Bevel
S
osals must be arAlvzed
testea ror consistency with the
programs in every applicable element of the Ge ra1
. "Phis test of General Plan
compliance is also a required criteria for
determining significant impacts under the provisions
of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA).
Interpretation of the General Plan
When uncertainty exists regarding the location of
boundaries of any land use category, proposed
public facility symbol, circulation alignment, or
other symbol or line found on the General Plan
maps, the following procedures will be used to
resolve the issue:
Boundaries shown in the General Plan . and on
official maps as approximately following the limits
of any municipal corporation are to be construed as
following these limits. Boundaries shown as
following or approximately following section lines,
and half or quarter section lines, shall be construed
as following such lines.
Boundaries shown as following or approximately
following the centerline of streams, creeks, rivers, or
other continuously or intermittently flowing streams
or creeks are to. be construed as following the
channel centerline of these water courses taken at
mean low water, and, in the event of natural change
in the location of such streams or other water
courses, the zone boundary is to be construed as
moving with the channel centerline.
Where a land use category applied to a parcel is not
mapped to include an adjacent street or alley, the
category shall be considered to extend to the
centerline of the right of way. Boundaries shown as
separated from, parallel, or approximately parallel to
any of the features listed above shall be construed to
be parallel to such features and at such distances
therefrom as are shown on the map. Symbols that
indicate appropriate locations for proposed public
facilities are not property specific. They indicate
only the general area within which a specific facility
should be established.
'A le
TN/City of La Quinta
`r�f en lan/Administration Element
CEQA Review of Consistency
State CEQA Guidelines require that an initial study
include "an examination of whether the project is
compatible with existing zoning and plans." The
State CEQA Guidelines further stipulate that, "A
project will normally have a significant effect on the
environment if it will conflict with adopted
environmental plans and goals of the community
where it is located." If a determination is made by
the Planning Commission or the City Council that
the proposed action is inconsistent with the General
Plan, no further action shall be taken without the
completion and processing of an EIR or other
detailed analysis which would support a finding of
overriding consideration.
Zoning Consistency
California State law also mandates that the City's
Development Code be consistent with the General
Plan. In the event that the Development Code
becomes inconsistent with the General Plan by
reason of a General ' Plan Amendment, the
Development Code must be amended within a
reasonable time so that it is made consistent with the
General Plan, as amended. The Development Code
cannot be amended if it causes an inconsistency
with the General Plan.
Amending The General Plan
The General Plan is a multi -faceted document,
which defines and addresses the changing needs of
the community. It is also based on an on -going
assessment and understanding of existing and
projected community needs. To assure that the
General Plan is kept current, short-term programs
and policies may be reviewed annually to reflect
compatibility with budgetary priorities and related
program status. Long-term programs and
implementation measures must also be given
consideration to assure timely funding and
development of critical infrastructure and public
services and facilities.
Annual Review
California Government Code requires that the
planning agency "render an annual report to the
legislative body (City Council) on the status of the
Plan and the progress in its implementation"
(Section 65400(b)). State law further requires that
the Housing Element be reviewed and updated at
least once every five (5) years. 057
056
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Administration Element
The City Council or any citizen may initiate a
General Plan Amendment. It is up to the local
jurisdiction to establish an amendment schedule.
Application Procedures
Applications for the amendment of the General Plan
and the appropriate fees are filed with the City
Community Development Department. An
amendment to the General Plan constitutes a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), and therefore is evaluated for its
environmental effects and consistency with other
elements of the General Plan. Final approval of
General Plan amendments is the responsibility of
the City Council.
Exemptions
The State Legislature has recognized that occasions
arise which require the local jurisdiction to have
some flexibility in amending the General Plan. As
set forth in the California Government Code, the
following are exempt from the General Plan
amendment schedule:
(1) Amendments requested and determined
necessary for the development of a residential
project, of which at least twenty-five percent (25%)
of its units will be available to persons of low or
moderate income (Sections 65361(b) & 65358 (d)).
(2) Any amendment necessary to comply with a
court decision in a case involving the legal adequacy
of the General Plan (Sections 65361 and 65358 (d)
(0)•
Specific Plans
A Specific Plan plays an important role as a refined
version of the General Plan and Development Code,
applicable to a specific parcel of land or area of the
community. Specific Plans provide detailed design
and analysis, and indicate precise land use locations
and designs. Specific Plans contain text, exhibits,
and diagrams indicating the distribution, location,
and intensity of proposed land uses and the
necessary public and private urban support systems,
including streets, utilities and drainage facilities.
Specific Plans provide an opportunity to utilize
creative and non-traditional techniques for
development. The City encourages the preparation
of Specific Plans which result in innovative projects,
either on a single property, or across several parcels.
Specific Plans also define the standards and criteria
by which development and, where applicable,
conservation will proceed on the property. It must
also be consistent with all facets of the General Plan
and in turn, zoning, subdivision, and public works
projects must be consistent with an existing Specific
Plan (Government Code Section 65455).
Specific Plans are prepared, adopted and amended
in the same manner as a General Plan, may be
adopted by resolution or ordinance, and may be
amended as often as deemed necessary by the City
Council.
In areas where the Specific Plan encompasses more
than one property, the plan must be completed and
adopted prior to development on any affected
property.
Capital Facilities
Among the statutory responsibilities of California,
incorporated towns, charter cities and counties are to
"annually review the capital improvement program
of the city or county and the local public works
projects of other local agencies for their consistency
with the General Plan." Also, pursuant to
Government Code Section 65401, all departments
within the City and all other local government
agencies must submit a list of proposed projects to
the City. The City is responsible for reviewing these
projects for conformity with the General Plan.
Implementation of the General Plan
California GovernmentSection
65103(c)
requires that local ju
ns implement the
General Plan once it
n adopted. The La
Quinta General Plan re
programs as well as
the related mitigation me
es and programs set
forth in the General Pl r
gram EIR, to serve as
implementation mea
he City Development
Code also plays a c ' 1
le in implementing the
goals and policies o he Plan,
and Specific Plans
provide detailed plementation
programs for
specific portions o e General
Plan area.
Co
risdi do
has ee
li n
Implementatio Through the
Developme ode
ev o t Code is an exercise o )olic,
ower granted to the City by the State, an is t i
rimar tool for implementing the Genera " • �.
n g
7
05 *7
The Development Code regulates land use by
distinct development zones and permitted uses: Text,
maps, diagrams and other materials describe the
distribution and intensity of land uses in all land use
designations. Minimum development standards for
each of the zones are also included, in a manner
consistent with the General Plan. Permitting
processes set forth in the Development Code,
including Conditional Use Permits, Variance �ite
other land use a tin
Development Permits and p g
also implement the General PI he
implementation of the General Pla s rther
regulated by Government Code Secti s 00 et.
seq.
Implementation Through the
Subdivision Ordinance
Like Development Codes, s division regulation is
also an exercise of and a principal
instrument for implementing the General Plan.
Establishing state-wide uniformity in local
subdivision procedures, the State Subdivision Map
Act (Government Code Sections 66410 et seq.)
leaves the standards for regulating the design and
improvement of subdivision to local government.
The broadest authority for regulating subdivisions
lies in Government Code Sections 66473.5, 66474,
66474.60, and 66474.61, requiring findings that,
among other things, the subdivision is consistent
with the City General Plan and any applicable
Specific Plan.
Development Agreements
State law provides for the adoption of development
agreements between a project proponent and the
City, in accordance with Government Code Section
65865 et seq. The purpose of development
agreements is to provide developers with additional
assurances that development approvals will not be
nullified by some future local policy or regulation
change. In exchange, the developer may be required
to meet certain conditions or performance criteria
which become part of the agreement.
As set forth in Government Code Section 65866, the
City, unless otherwise provided by the development
agreement, is not prevented from applying new
rules, regulations, and policies which do not conflict
with those rules, regulations, and policies applicable
to that property. Neither is the City prevented from
denying or conditionally approving any subsequent
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Administration Element
development project application on the basis of such
existing or new rules, regulations or policies.
ADMINISTRATION GOAL, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
GOAL
Comprehensive administration and implementation
of all elements of the General Plan through
consistent and effective policies and programs.
Policy 1
The City shall provide for the periodic revision and
updating of the General Plan and ensure that
associated City ordinances are maintained in
conformance with the General Plan.
IU
ogram1.1: The City Council shall, through the
blic hearing process, receive an annual re ort
m the Planning Commission on a sta us o e
neral Plan.
�1
Program 1.2: The City sh preh sively
review and amend, as nece ,the Development
Code and Subdivision r to mai tain
consistency with the Gen al
Policy 2
Maintain a coopera ' lannin r ss with
verside County, Indio, lncltan w eiis, raim tjcsci t,
Coachella, native american tribes and other public
agencies assuring an effective advisory role
regarding development and land use planning issues
proposed within or in close proximity to the City's
Sphere -of -Influence.
Policy 3
The City shall assure that properly filed
development applications shall be processed in an
expeditious and timely manner.
Policy 4
The City shall utilize master plans to address the
City's recreation, drainage/flood control,
infrastructure, traffic control, and other facility needs
Program 4.1: The City shall maintain master
facility plans to establish need and availability of
funding for additional public services and facilities.
P\ /17
-�59
r5.1
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
Community Commercial, CC
Neighborhood Commercial, NC
Commercial Park, CP
Office, O
Resort Mixed Use, RMU
Tourist Commercial, TC
This designation provides for larger, community -
scale shopping centers on parcels ranging from 20
to 30 acres in size, along major arterial roadways.
These centers include large scale anchors as well as
a variety of retail outlets and restaurant and
entertainment uses to meet the needs of multiple
neighborhoods. Other typical land uses include
general merchandise, hardware, food and drug
stores, offices and personal services. Hotels and
motels may also be appropriate within this
designation.
This designation supports the development of
commercial land uses which serve the daily needs
of the adjacent neighborhood on parcels of 10 to
20 acres. Typical land uses include food and drug
stores, personal services, small restaurants, and
financial institutions. This designation generally
occurs at arterial and major arterial intersections.
The typical land uses under this designation are
office and light industrial: warehousing and
storage, office/warehouse combined uses, high
technology light manufacturing and automobile
repair.
This designation allows for the development of
professional and general offices, including
financial, medical and legal offices. Retail
commercial uses which support these offices may
also be appropriate under this designation, but shall
not be the principal use.
This land use designation is intended for projects
which propose a wide range of potential land uses.
A minimum of 20 acres is required for any project
in this land use designation. Single and multi-
family residential units, and condominium
development are permitted in this designation, as
golf courses and land uses permitted in the
Tourist Commercial designation. Timeshares,
recreational vehicle parks and resorts and mobile
home parks and subdivisions may be permitted
with a Specific Plan.
Uses allowed under this designation are limited to
resort hotels, tourist commercial and recreational
land uses, such as destination hotels, conference
centers and hotels, restaurants and ancillary retail
land uses. Time share projects may also be
appropriate under this designation with the
approval of a Conditional Use Permit. A Specific
Plan is required in the Tourist Commercial
designation.
060
i
L]
1
1
12
Village Commercial, VC
4 Fn tvfU0
Major Community Facilities, MC
Park, P
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
The intent of this designation is to provide for hotel
and resort uses, and pedestrian oriented retail
stores, which elp create a villa a atmosphere.
Typical specialt—y7ana uses inc u e ar ga eries,
restaurants and cafes, hotels, apparel and jewelry
stores and services. Medium High Density and
High Density residential land uses may also be
appropriate under this designation.
Other Land Uses "
This land use designation is applied to lands in the
planning area. It provides for business parks and
the development of non-polluting industrial uses
operating entirely in enclosed buildings, and those
requiring limited and screened outdoor storage.
Examples include clean manufacturing operations,
aircraft or airport related uses, warehousing and
distribution facilities, mini -warehouse storage, and
a variety of light manufacturing businesses. Siting
industrial lands in close proximity to major
regional highway and railroad facilities is also
desirable.
Preferred development includes master planned
business and industrial parks with integrated access
and internal circulation. Ancillary or related
commercial land uses may also be appropriate.
With the approval of a Conditional Use Permit,
more intense industrial uses with the potential to
generate substantial levels of noise smoke, dust,
glare, traffic vibration or other nuisance may also
be allowed. These uses would include the
manufacturing of durable goods such as
appliances, furniture, fabricated metal products, and
transportation equipment.
All projects proposed within this designation will
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts to
acceptable or insignificant levels and be compatible
with existing and planned land uses. A Specific
Plan is required under this designation.
This designation is applied to existing or planned
municipal, educational, non-profit and/or religious
organizations, or public service facilities. Typical
land uses within this designation include civic
centers and other governmental offices, fire
stations, schools, facilities for non-profit
organizations and utility substations.
This designation is applied to municipal and
regional park facilities.
061
13 060
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
Floating Park Designation, P
Cpace, D 0�-
&UWaV r V't
Hillside Overlay
Golf Course, G
Watercourse/Flood Control, W
In the southern planning area, this floating
designation is not assigned to a specific parcel, but
indicates that a park or parks will be located in the
general area in the future.
This designation applies to lands in public or
quasi -public ownership in the hillside an
mountainous areas of the City and planning area.
he esignation allows the discretionary approval
of trails, trailheads, and similar facilities.
is overlay is applied to lands above the toe of
slope. The provisions of the Hillside Preservation
Ordinance shall apply.
Public and private golf courses, and associated
ancillary facilities.
Floodways and drainage channels.
Airport, AP Designates the Bermuda Dunes and Desert Resorts
(Thermal) airport areas.
DISTRIBUTION OF LAND USES
The City of La Quinta is typical of many Coachella
Valley cities in its land use distribution, consisting
primarily of low density residential lands, resort
residential lands, and open space areas. Table 2.2
provides a summary of land uses in the City, and
includes existing and potential dwelling units, and
existing and potential commercial and industrial
square footage.
The Table is followed by the General Plan Land
Use Map, Exhibit 2.1.
062
14
061.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
The Land Use Element provides a guide for the
City's future, based on current conditions. The
City's rapid growth, and changes in market
conditions, will require that it reconsider land use
decisions and the contents of the Land Use Element
regularly. State law allows amendments to the
General Plan and its elements, including the Land
Use Map. As the City's;. needs change, it must
consider amendments to the Land Use Element and
map in order to take advantages of emerging
opportunities and meet the needs of its residents,
businesses `Mnd-visitors. F
4
The continued logical expansion of the community,
and the associated extension of services as this
expansion occurs, will continue to sustain the City's
growth.
The Highway 111 corridor continues to be a critical
commercial core. Other commercial nodes will
develop as the City's boundaries expand, but are not
likely to support the regional economy in the same
manner as Highway 111.
The City has traditionally utilized the planning tools
available in Specific Plans- to encourage careful
siting and land use compatibility within a project.
This practice is continued in the goals, policies and
programs set forth below. The City has also utilized
planning review processes, including Site
Development Permits, to assure that good planning
practice is implemented in all land use proposals.
The goals, policies and programs enumerated below
begin with those which affect all land uses. This is
followed by specific goals, policies and programs
for residential, commercial and other land use
categories.
GENERAL LAND USE GOALSICIES &
PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
Policy 1
The City shall maintain a Land Use Map which
implements the goals and policies of the Land Use
Element and other elements of the General Plan.
Policy 2
The City Development Code and Map shall be
consistent with the General Plan land use
designations.
Program 2.1: The City shall maintain a
Development Code that corresponds to the
designations established in. the Land Use Element,
and which guides and regulates development
consistent with the General Plan.
Program.2.2: The Development Code shall include
design standards in all zoning districts which assure
gh quality development.
Policy 3
The City shall continue to utilize planning tools as
part of its overall economic development strategic
plan.
Policy 4
-Specific Plans of Land Use shall be required under
the following- circumstances:
• For all projects of 10 acres or more in the
Commercial Park, Industrial, Tourist
Commercial, Resort Mixed Use and Regional
Commercial designations, prior to any land
divisions or subdivisions.
Fof all projects proposing the integration of go if
course, tourist commercial and residential .uses.
• For all projects proposing flexible
development standards differing from the City's
Development Code.
Program 4.1: The City shall maintain detailed
requirements for the preparation of Specific Plans in
its Development Code.
Land use compatibility throng o t the City and its Program 4.2: For approved Specific Plans, the
shall have the
p 1 j14TyA#t irector of Community Development
planning area,/ ID ;A e CAV ability to determine substantial conformance in a
Rid Ado �� Specific Plan, and waive the need for a Specific Plan
G �S amendment under the following circumstances:
Hi h qua iy. deve o e whi h promotes the when changes in the land use allocation within
City s image aass�" e Gem of th Desert." the SpecificPlan are less than 5%, 063
• When no new land use is proposed,
• When the off -site circulation pattern and turning
movements will not be altered by the p r o p o s e d
change.
Program 4.3: In areas where Specific Plans are
required, adjacent property owners shall be
encouraged to work together to create a single
Specific Plan which incorporates roperties
within a block or neighborhood.
Policy 5
All land use evelopment proposals shall b
in the
tn-
ll velo ment shall be encouraged by placing
improve ent projects in the developed areas
of the City as top priorities.
Policy 7
The City shall maintain standards a p edures i
its Development Code whic defi e
requirements for all developme pplicati
.�a
Policy 8
The City shall carefully consi er a� xatio of its
planning area to acco odate growth.
Program 8.1: All annexation applications by land
owners shall be accompanied by required
environmental and fiscal impact anaLyses to ensure
the orderly development of the City. Mocti pit C.
C.t t95UMA411 kQ ---
Program 8.2: The City shall undertake a
comprehensive community outreach program for
any City -initiated annexation effort, to encourage
and facilitate community participation in the
annexation process.
Policy 9
Agricultural land uses in the planning area are
encouraged.
Policy 10
The City shall maintain its "dark sky" ordinance.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
RESIDENTIAL GOALS, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
The maintenance and protection of residential
neighborhoods to assure that future housing needs
are met.
GOAL 2 6�1
A usi es choices for all
residents of ibe' City.
Gs t
Policy 1 va
it shall encourage the pres ion of
neighborhoo c a consistent and
compatible residential land use pattern.
Program 1.1: The City shall periodically review land
use designation definitions to assure that changes in
the community and marketplace are met.
Program 1.2: Apply the City's discretionary powers
and site development review process consistently to
assure that subdivision and development plans are
compatible e
olicy 2
Developmen ing neighborhoods and
infrastructure shall be encouraged.
Program 2.1: The City will continue to use creative
planning techniques, including the merger of small
residential lots in the Cove, to encourage
development in existing neighborhoods.
Policy 3
The City shall discourage scattered development of
residential subdivisions by requiring necessary
improvement/extension of intervening roadways and
infrastructure to serve new development.
Policy 4 '
Density transfers may occur in Specific Plans when
common area amenities and open space are provided.
Program. 4.1: The Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinance °shall include :'standards.. for density
transfers, with the provision of common areas and
amenities.
064
18 ()6 3
Policy 5 U'
The City shall maintain idential evelopment
standards incl cks height, ad elevations
of er design an performance standar s
assure a hi h qu ' y of dev opment. CA%AQ. Ak -C •
]��o ram�5.1: The Develo men include
development standards and design guidelines for
each residential zoning designation.
Policy 6
'fhe City will use development incentives to achieve
a mix of housing, including affordable housing.
Program 6.1: The City shall monitor the progress
inade to achieve its Housing Element mandated
goals for the provision of housing, and shall
c.misider amendments to the General Plan when
necessary to help achieve those goals.
Policy 7
The City shall establish an Agricultural Overlay
district in the Development Code.
Program 7.1: The Development Code shall be
amended to include permitted and conditionally
pennitted land uses and development standards in
the Agricultural Overlay zone.
COMMERCIAL GOALS, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
CIOAL 1
n balanced and varied economic base which
l)rovides a broad range of goods and services to the
City's residents and the region.
GOAL 2
The continued growth of the tourism and resort
industries in the City.
Policy 1
The City's commercial land use designations shall
allow a full range of retail, office, resort and
institutional businesses in the City.
Program 1.1: The Land Use Map shall be reviewed
regularly to assure that sufficient lands are
designated for commercial uses which support the
needs of the community and surrounding areas.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
Program 1.2: The City will encourage an integration
of a wide range of support services at employment
centers, including child care, occupational health,
fitness facilities and convenience retail shops.
Program 1.3: The City will maintain economic and
demographic statistical data and make this data
available to the development communit nd other
interested parties.
Policy 2
The City shall maintain com�iercial development
standards including set backs, height, pad elevations
and other design and performance standards which
assure a high quality of development.
Program 2.1: Residential development shall not be
permitted within 600 feet of Highway 111 in the
Regional Commercial designation, except as allowed
in the non-residential overlay in the Development
Code.
Policy 3
Strip commercial development will be discouraged.
The Development Code shall establish and maintain
minimum lot depth standards in all commercial
zones.
Policy 4 wo
The City will contippeto support and encour e the
development of esort hotels, y
nca planned 7ittb gol f,-Q1jrcP nr ntLar racrP2tinnal
, as a key component of its economic base.
Program 4.1: The City's Development Code will
provide standards for a broad range of tourist
commercial land uses, including
conference hotels, resort hotels, time share units, inns
and bed and breakfasts.
INDUSTRIAL AND AIRPORT GOALS,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
Lands that provide for the development of
non-polluting, clean industrial development that
broadens the economic/employment base of the City.
GOAL 2
Expanded airport services which enhance the City's
available services, agriculture and access to tourism
markets.
06,.,�
19
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Land Use Element
Policy i I
The City shall support the development of a broad
range of non-polluting, carefully planned industriak
uses in its planning area.
Program 1.1: The Development Code shall be
amended to include provisions for industrial
development, including development standards,
permitted and;conditionally permitted land uses.
Policy 2 %
Industrial lands shall be located along major
transportation corridors, and in areas that maximize
all available infrastructure.
Policy 3
The City shall encourage the development of
vocational and technical progr s in the educational
system, in order to help strial sector find
qualified local employees.
Policy4
'
The City sh rt t opment of a broad
range of c efu pl e ' ort-related uses in its
planning arey.
Progra 4.1: The 'Development Code shall be
amend to include provisions for airport
devel ment, including development standards,
pe tted and conditionally permitted land uses.
Policy 5
The City shall consider airport Master Plans in all
development proposals adjacent to an airport.
Program .1: Standar s tor eve opment a J
to airports shall be developed which maximize the
+�..�r public safety —
OTHER LAND USE GOALS, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
Major community facilities which efficiently serve
the community and are compatible with surrounding
land uses.
GOAL
Of 1___�
he preservation of open space and recreational
resources as a means of preserving and enhancing
the quality of life and economic base of the City.
20
Policy i
Planning for all major community facilities shall
carefully consider the potential impacts to adjacent
development, particularly residential development.
Program 1.1: The Development Code shall maint
standards for municipal facilities, utility _41bn
schools and similar public fap'litie j
Policy 2
(Public utilitv 'ect to the same
Policy 3
The City shall participate Fin to preserve and
protect sensitive resources throughout the City and
planning area.
Program 3.1: The City shall maintain and enforce
its Hillside Preservation Ordinance.
Program 3.2: The City shall amend the Land Use
Map as necessary to ensure the preservation of
sensitive resources through the designation of land
as open space.
Program 3.3: The City shall encourage the use of
native landscaping and "links" golf courses which
preserve natural open space areas.
Policy 4
The City shall continue to include park facilities
.2lanning in neighborhood planning efforts.
Program 4.1: The City shall continue to utilize the
standards allowed in the Quimby Act to charge park
fees and allow for park development.
Program 4.2: The City shall develop a program
which allows for Park Fee credits for projects which
include public golf courses or other active
recreational amenities. Retention areas shall not be
considered for Park Fee credits.
Program 4.2: The City shall incorporate park
planning into annexation studies and annexation
community outreach efforts.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Chapter 3
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT
PURPOSE
As one of the fastest growing communities in
California, La Quinta and the Coachella Valley, the
level of vehicular traffic has steadily increased, and
challenges the City to balance the character and
qualities of a destination resort community with the
accessibility needs of the community's residents
and visitors. Balancing these two potentially
conflicting goals requires careful planning of the
local and intercity roadway networks.
The potential for delays and the risk of traffic
accidents increases as the City's road system nears
its capacity for handling traffic in a safe and
efficient manner. The General Plan Circulation
Element has been developed in order to preserve the
City's unique character and quality of life, while
providing the safest and most efficient roadway
system possible.
The Circulation Element examines the City's
current road system and operating conditions, and
analyses future traffic impacts due to growth
projected for the City and region. The Circulation
Element and associated technical analysis provide an
efficient, cost-effective and comprehensive
transportation management strategy consistent with
regional plans, local needs to maintain and improve
mobility, and in a manner consistent with the goals,
quality and character of the community.
The Circulation Element also serves as a
comprehensive transportation management strategy,
which is based upon an analysis of existing
conditions within the City and future development,
as set forth by the General Plan Land Use Map (see
Land Use Element). Regional traffic growth has
also been considered, and has been based upon
statistical trends, an assessment of long-term
regional growth potential and the regional
transportation model, CVATS, prepared by the
Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG).
A variety of data were used to quantify and
characterize existing traffic volumes and conditions
along roadway links and at major intersections. In
addition to traffic counts collected by the City,
CVAG and CalTrans, additional sets of data were
collected from project -specific studies and other
sources to gauge existing conditions and provide a
sound basis for projecting future. -traffic volumes.
These various data are from the period of 1990
through 1999 and include mid -block roadway
segments, as well as counts of intersection turning
movements. Detailed information on the City's
circulation system is available in both the General
Plan Master Environmental Assessment, and
General Plan Environmental Impact Report.
Acceptable t.evels-of-Service
An essential goal of the Circ ation Element is to
establish and maintain acce levels of service
on all community roadways. OS as long been
considered the desirable and p im level of traffic
volume on any given roadway, however, it represents
a standard that is progressively more difficult and
costly to achieve in urban areas. For peak operating
periods, LOS,D and/or a maximum volume to
capacity ratio of 0.90 is now considered the
generally acceptable service level. Buildout of the
City General Plan is not expected to result in any
intersections operating at levels worse than LOS D.
In those temporary periods where a V/C ratio of 1.0
or worse exists along certain roa way segments,
every measure to improve operating conditions shall
be pursued.
Average Daily Traffic Volumes
Average Daily Traffic Volumes (ADT) for the
current (1998-2000) period for the General Plan
designated roadways are listed in Table 3.1 and are
graphically presented in Exhibit 3.1. ADT is a
useful "benchmark" number for determining
various roadway configurations and design aspects.
067
L1
066
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Based upon an analysis of the Post-2020 buildout
period, the Circulation Element sets forth specific
design classifications for the City's backbone
circulation network. The geometry assumed for
planning area intersections can be accommodated
based upon the roadway classification system.. A
total of 15 roadway segments are projected to have
potential tra is volume w lc excee ca aclt i.e.
rat or rester. . Although a roadway
segment may be identified as exceeding the
allowable capacity, intersection improvements may
allow the endpoints of a segment to operate
acceptably. The modelling effort also makes certain
assumptions about access to network roadway, , and
actual impacts to capacity from ning
development may be lessened by h tful site
planning, restricted access conditions of
approval.
°T erefore, the City continue to iew and
oni or an use tren s an elr ass crate
c anges in ra lc vo ume an patterns, an a e
izinp—r-oad-wav im
d maintenance manageaIgnt plograms. is will
be mplished by —re ing traffic on
major roadways and by conducting ongoing
inve t 'es of current traffic and circulation patterns.
Ahe rate of ��&iurn
n the community, this
s be done a of once every two
years. The City continue to coordinate with
State and regional agencies that have 'urisdiction
over the state highways in or .ing the
community. Through the phased ' en ation of
the roadway cross -se nd identified
intersection geometries set in this Element, and
coordination with Xn o al, state and federal
regulators, the City will progressively alleviate
current problems and avoid future system
inadequacies.
The developmdwma4nd
implementation of
Transportat''ion��� Management (TDM)
techniques s,L�d be as widely used as practical to
extend or preserve capacity of existing roadways.
forts to encourage
car or va o ing, work flex -time nd the continued
uti ' re ex a ' of public transit
services ovided by Sunline Transit.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
On -going planning and analysis of the City
circulation network will also suggest special
intersection designs that allow dedicated right turn
overlap signal phasing to provide free right turns
where appropriate, and other system enhancements
that provide cost effective solutions. Detailed
analysis is periodically undertaken for the
intersections identified in project -specific, City
monitoring and engineering studies, and the General
Plan to refine realignments and design engineering.
These on -going monitoring, analysis and design
procedures will help to assure availability of
necessary right-of-way for adequate long-term
Levels of Service.
Other transportation management techniques that
address specific issues of concern within the City of
La Quinta include limiting, and in some cases
restricting, access onto Highways 111, Washington
Street, Jefferson Street and other major roadways.
This can be accomplished by combining driveways,
installing raised center medians to restrict turning
movements, adding travel and turning lanes, and
minimizing the number of intersections. Finally, a
concerted effort by the City to balance local jobs
and housing, and encouraging mixed -use
development will minimize future traffic volumes in
the City. All of these measures are discussed in
detail in the General Plan Traffic Study and EIR.
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
A transportation and circulation network that
efficiently, safely and economically moves people,
vehicles, and goods using facilities that meet the
current demands and projected needs of the City,
while maintaining and protecting its residential
resort character.
Policy 1
Establish and maintain a master plan of roads, which
sets forth detailed improvement plans and priority
schedules for implementation, to assure minimal
levels of roadway segment and intersection
operations at V/C ratio of 0.80 and LOS D,
respectively.
Program 1.1: Initiate and complete a master plan of
roads, which includes targets for ultimateO 6 8
rights -of -way and pavement width and provides a
37
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
schedule for securing right-of-way and constructing Program 2.4: On Primary Arterials, the minimum
improvements consistent with the projected needs intersection spacing shall be 1,060 feet. The design
and standards set forth in the City Circulation speed shall be 50 mph. Left turn median cuts may
Element and Program EIR. be authorized if turn pocket does not interfere with
r-exis�tin-g-or. planned left turn pockets. Right
Program 1.2: Establish and maintain ays in/right out driveways shall be a mininaumaf 250
pavement management pro P) that sets from the nearest interse ' n. All a
forth timelines and sc es for the fiance of configuratio ui ity En ineer review
existing roads ' e community. The program shall ' and ap rqy
establish ing levels for each fiscal year. 'Vw''
���,. �P ogram On Calle Tampico, between
�'
p cy 2 �} Eisenho r D ' e Washington, and on
ordinate and co perHofate with alTrans, VAG, Eise ower e, t e Calle Tampico and
'verside County and adjoining cities to assure venida r s tur intersections may be
pr ation of capacity and maximized cy permit at 1 1 ' ance of 500 feet, if the
along erson Street, IT inter tion ith the approved Corridor
Interstate-10, Highway 111 and other major Signal an.
roadways.
Program 2.1: Maintain a liaison with adjoining
cities, CalTrans, CVAG, Riverside County planning
and engineering staffs to study and implement
effective means of preserving and improving
capacity along Interstate-10 and its interchanges,
Washington Street, Jefferson Street, Highways 11
and other major roadways serving inter -city traffl .
Strategies shall include but are not limited t
synchronized signalization, consolidation of access
drives and restriction of access, construction of
additional travel and turning lanes, raised median
islands, and improvements to critical intersections.
Program 2.2: Review new and redeveloping
projects along Washington Street, Adams Street and
Highway 111 with the intent of limiting access and
aligning and/or consolidating access drives in a
manner which minimizes conflicting turning
movements and maximizes the use of existing aiyd'
planned signalized intersections.
Program 2.3: On Major Arterials, the minimum
intersection spacing shall be 2,600 feet in residentiat-
areas, and 1,060 feet for commercial frontage. C
Intersection spacing may be reduced to 500 feet at\
the Whitewater Channel and La Quinta Evacuation
Channel. The design speed shall be 60 miles per
hour (mph). Left turn median cuts may be
authorized if turn pocket does not interfere with
other existing or planned left turn pockets. Right
in/right out driveways shall be a minimum of 250
feet be access confi
s a be subject to City Engineer review an
approval.
Program 2.6: On Secondary Arterials, the.
minimum intersection spacing shall be 600 feet. The
design speed shall be 40 mph. Full access to
adjoining property shall be avoided and when
necessary shall be a minimit-r - _.
Dear-est' int re section or commercial driveway.
access configurations shall be subject to City
Engineer review and approval.
'7 • e Z
intersection spacing shall be 300 feet. The design
speed shall be 30 mph. Driveways shall be a
minimum of 250 feet from an intersection.
?cress con i a be subject to Cit
Engineer review and approval.
ram 2.8.. On Locat stre cL
minimum
intersection spacing s a be 250 feet. The design
hall be subject to- City Engineer re -view and
a2royal.
Pr 1 shall prepare, or
u e to be p red, a C ridor Signal Plan for
C etwee Eisenhower and
W glivlenida
r Eisenh wer, between Calle
T�icn Be as.
Program 2.10: Within subdivisions, streets may be
designed to a width of 28 feet with restricted
parking, subject to City Engineer and Fire
Department approval.
ogram 2.11: Standards for all City streets shall
maintained in the Development Code.
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38
Program 2.12: The City Engineer shall. establish
and maintain a traffic calming program which details
acceptable traffic calming devices or concepts in
residential neighborhoods.
Program 2.13: Confer and coordinate with
CalTrans in efforts to secure state and federal
funding sources for preservation and expansion of
capacity on Interstate-10, State Highway 111 and
other important City arterials.
Policy 3
Participate and represent the City's interests in
circulation -related regional planning activities, and
encourage acceptance of City policies regarding
regional transportation issues.
Program 3.1: Establish and maintain a liaison with
CVAG, SCAG and CalTrans and proactively
represent City in transportation planning meetings
to assure that City policies, programs and strategies
are given priority consideration in resolving regional
transportation issues affecting the community.
Policy 4
Encourage expansion of ridership and the service
area of the public transit systems operated by the
Sunline Transit Authority within the City.
Program 4.1: Consult and coordinate with the
Sunline Transit Authority and assure vocal
representation on the Authority Board and its
decision making process.
Program 4.2: When reviewing development
proposals, consult and coordinate with the Sunline
Transit Authority and solicit comments and
suggestions on how bus stops and other public
transit facilities and design concepts, including
enhanced handicapped access, should be integrated
into project designs.
Program 4.3: When reviewing development
proposals, consult and coordinate with the Sunline
Transit Authority to encourage the development of
rideshare and other alternative, high occupancy
transit programs for employers with sufficient
numbers of employees.
Policy 5
As a means of reducing traffic associated with
work -related out -migration, make every reasonable
effort to enhance the City's jobs/housing balance.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic .-ind ,-,,
kA%JA1 iLlGJJJCJJl
Program 5.1: In order to locate jobs and housing
near each other to produce shorter work commutes,
make a concerted effort to increase City-ba ed
employment; encourage mixed -use develop
with a residential component contigu0 or
near to employment centers; facil'tate se of the
City's home occupation ordina nd a urage
major employers toAed
ate t commuting
opportunities, either at local centers,
as well as part-time QmnlnvPPQ
Policy 6
mote t r an va=poo nd the
shiftin f employment -related tof c ent
pe
Program 6.1: To the extent practical, prepare a
rideshare plan for City employees to serve as an
example for area employers. This plan should
include meaningful incentives for employees to
walk, bike, or r' esh re c 1 It their work
commutes.
Program 6.2: To the extent practical, the City and
the Sunline Transit Authority shall encourage
employers to provide 4 day-40_hour an 9 day-80
Dour work weeks, and/or provide start/end times
outside of the 6-8 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. peak periods of
traffic.
Program 6.3: Encourage and proactively support
the efforts of the Sunline Transit Authority in
organizing a Transportation Management
Organization (TMO) among employers to provide
an on -going information network, develop a
rideshare plan, and determine opportunities for
transit/shuttle operations.
Policy 7
Develop and encourage the use of continuous and
convenient bicycle routes and multi -use trails to
places of employment, recreation, shopping, schools,
and other high activity areas with potential for
increased bicycle, equestrian, golf cart and other
non -vehicular use.
Program 7.1 Prepare and adopt a master plan of
bicycle -ways, and multi -purpose trails, and develop
or require the development of secure bicycle and
golf cart storage facilities, and other support
facilities which increase bicycle and golf cart use.
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Program 7.2: The construction of bikeways shall
conform to the CalTrans manual "Planning and
Design Criteria for Bikeways in California."
Program 7.3: Sidewalks shall be provided on both
sides of all arterial anZr co ector streets,- except
w�ieere there is a multi -use trail on one side.
1
rogram .4: Golf carts shall permitted on
designated routes, as depicted in Exhibit 3.8 and 3.9,
and on all public local streets in the Cove. Specific
street crossings for golf carts from the cove onto
collectors and arterials shall be designated by the
Program 7.5: Should a recreational facility be
developed at the south end of the Cove, Exhibit 3.9
shall be amended to include a designated golf cart
route.
Policy 8
Coordinate with the Coachella Valley Water District
and its consultants to assure the provision of
all-weather crossings along critical roadways.
Program 8.1: Consult and coordinate with the
Coachella Valley Water District, and cooperate in
• the planning and development of all-weather
crossings as part of the community's Master
Drainage Plan and its implementation.
Policy 9
Facilitate the design and installation of a community
locational/directional sign program to efficiently
direct traffic to high use areas, including civic center,
parks, and other facilities.
Program 9.1: Provide clear public signage directing
traffic to the City's park and recreational facilities,
and all public facilities, including but not limited to,
libraries, hospitals, police and fire stations, and civic
centers.
Policy 10
Coordinate and cooperate with the Riverside County
Airport Commission and the Palm Springs Regional
Airport Authority to assure that these airports
continue to meet the City's existing and future
transportation, commercial and emergency response
needs.
exparjoion of facilities to accommodate commercial
aircraft serving the eastern portions of the valley.
Policy 11
Streets within planned residential areas shall be
installed and maintained as private streets, and shall
be developed in accordance with development
standards set forth in the Development Code and
other applicable standards and guidelines
Policy 12
Truck routes shall be designated and limited to
Washington Street, Jefferson Street, Highway 111,
Highway 86 and US Interstate-10.
Policy 13
Continue to implement the Image Corridors in the
City, and identify new image corridors for streets
brought into the City through annexation.
Program 13.1: Primary Image Corridors shall
include: Washington Street, Jefferson Street,
Highway 111, Fred Waring Avenue, Calle Tampico
and Eisenhower Drive from Calle Tampico to
Washington Street.
Program 13.2: Secondary Image Corridors shall
include: Miles Avenue, Dune Palms Road, south of
the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, Adams
Street, south of the Coachella Valley Stormwater
Channel, Avenues 48, 50 and 52, and Eisenhower
Drive, south of Calle Tampico to Avenida
Bermudas.
Program 13.3: Agrarian Image Corridors shall
include: Madison, Jackson and Harrison Streets,
and Avenues 54, 58, 62 and 66.
Program 13.4: Standards for all Image Corridors
shall be maintained in the Development Code.
Program 13.5: Image Corridor standards shall be
superseded by the Village Design Standards in that
land use designation.
Policy 14
In order to preserve the aesthetic values on the
City's streets, landscape setbacks shall be as
follows:
ra Highway 111: 50 feet
Pro '
g m 10.1: Proactively consult and coordinate Other Major Arterials & Primary Arterials: 20 feet
with the County in updating the Desert Resorts Secondary Arterials & Collector Streets: 10 feet
(Thermal) Airport Master Plan and encourage the 071
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Traffic and Circulation Element
Policy 15
The City shall maintain building height limits along
Primary, Secondary and Agrarian Image Corridors
in its Development Code.
Policy 16
Cadiz, Barcelona and Amigo Streets, in the Village
area, shall be allowed to remain at a maximum 50
foot right-of-way.
Policy 17
The City Engineer individual
development 0posals located a critical
intersectio , and shall have the authority to r uest
additi right of way if necessary.
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41
Chapter 4
OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Open Space Element is to
establish the City's goals, policies and programs
relating to the preservation and management of open
space lands. The policies contained herein support
the City's intentions to conserve and expand some
of its most valuable assets, including wildlife habitat,
watersheds, and agricultural and scenic resources.
Open space policies and programs are designed to
discourage the premature or inappropriate
conversion of open spaces to more intense land
uses. They are also intended to assure the long-
term viability of open spaces for continued
availability and possible production, and for
recreational and scenic enjoyment.
BACKGROUND
The Open Space Element addresses a broad range
of issues and is, therefore, directly and indirectly
related to many other General Plan elements,
including Land Use, Parks and Recreation,
Circulation, Environmental Hazards and
Environmental Conservation.
Government Code Section 65560(b) defines open
space as "any parcel or area of land or water which
is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open -
space use." These lands typically include rivers,
streams, managed agricultural lands, mineral
resources, parks and recreational lands, and lands
dedicated for the preservation of biological or other
natural resources.
Government Code Section 65302(d) requires that
General Plans include elements which address
resource conservation and designate lands for
preservation. Government Code Section 65566,
also referred to as the Open Space Lands Act,
requires local governments to prepare open space
plans before adopting open space zoning
ordinances. This helps to assure that open space
zoning regulations are consistent with open space
plans.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Open Space Element
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
The undeveloped open spaces of /ab
lbsa an
Coral Reef Mountains provide vto al,
cultural and scenic resources tf La
Quinta. Agricultural lands withigar a
also constitute valuable commodov' a
link to the region's cultural past/
Buildout of the proposed Ge will result in
the addition of an estimate 6 ,811` w housing
units in the planning area (see st Element).
This level of development has the potential to
adversely impact and strain open space resources. In
response, the General Plan Land Use Plan has been
designed to provide a total of approximately 9,791
acres of open space lands. This includes about
6,030 acres of general open space, 2,440 acres of
golf course open space, 719 acres of parks and
recreation facilities, and 602 acres of watercourse
and flood control facilities.
Thou fitful imp1palentation of thg G
eve o ment Code and g1ber reglilaW.11
mec anisms will be required to assure the long-term
preservation of oven s -The Crtv can U An
important role in acquiring federal and state grants
affd-uner-Tungungmechanisms Tor e rc ase of
'conservation easements an or fee simp a and
ownership interests. The city also —has the
opportunity to encourage residents and other
agencies to become involved in open space
preservation. On -going efforts between the City, the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG), adjoining communities and private entities
are necessary for the continued conservation of
regional open space resources.
073
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Open Space Element
OPEN SPACE ELEMENT GOAL, POLICIES Program 3.1: In the event that agricultural lands are
AND PROGRAMS developed into more intense land uses, elements of
GOAL the past agricultural use (such as date palm groves
and citrus orchards) shall be incorporated into on-
s't
Preservation, conservation and management of the
City's open space lands and scenic resources for
enhanced recreational, environmental and economic
purposes.
Policy 1
The City shall identify and map lands suitable for
preservation as passive and active open space.
Program 1.1: Lands suitable for preservation as
open space shall be designated on the General Plan
Land Use map.
Program 1.2: The City shall confer with adjoining
communities and other responsible agencies to
periodically review and update informatio
regional open space, and to coordinate pres ion
efforts.
Policy 2
Hillsides and alluvial fans with slo�
percent shall be preserved as ope spas
Program 2.1: The City shall ontinue
its Hillside Conservation Z e Or
visual, biological and ther re i
mountainous and slo ed ar
associated with urban d elopq
fit
:ct
is
`Program 2.2: The ity rin
and utilize,
where appropriate, a ari ofto preserve
privately owned p o rti llside and
alluvial fan areas. t
Program 2.3: The Tity shall identify agencies and
property owners vAiich hold fee simple title to
properties located in hillside and alluvial fan areas,
and shall enter into agreements w is assure that
such lands remain undeveloped in perpetuity.
Policy 3
In recognition of its agricultural_ the City
shall support the rvation of isting
agricultural lands. _
43
i e open space areas, streetscapes and landscape
designs.
Policy 4
Unique and valuable biological resources shall be
preserved as open space, to the greatest extent
practical.
Program 4.1: The City shall continue to actively
participate in the development and implementation
of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan, with particular emphasis on
preserving biological resources in the Santa Rosa
Mountains.
ogram�
Coachella
., o servati
port an
oed Liz c
4.2: Until formal adoption of the
Valley Multiple Species Habitat
n Plan, the City shall continue to
implement the Coachella Valley Fringe -
Habitat Conservation Plan.
Progr m 4.3: All development applications for
curr tly vacant land shall be reviewed by a
q ified wildlife biologist to evaluate potential
roject-related impacts to biological resources.
Projects determined to have potential impacts on
important biological resources shall incorporate
adequate mitigation measures to reduce the impacts
to levels of insignificance.
Policy 5
Where appropriate, geological hazard zones,
including but not limited to earthquake fault lines,
areas susceptible to liquefaction, floodways, and
unstable slopes shall be preserved as open space.
rogram 5.1: The City shall identify and evaluat
otentially hazardous areas for consideration a
open space.
Policy 6
Develop a comprehensive multi -purpose trails
network to link open space areas.
Program 6.1: The City shall coordinate with, and
obtain approval from local utility providers and the
Coachella Valley Water District to use flood control
and utility easements as a trails network which links
open space and recreation areas.
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Open Space Element
Program 6.2: Coordinate with adjoining
communities and other appropriate agencies, and
review applicable local, regional and state trail maps
to determine the feasibility of developing regional
trail connections.
Program 6.3: Evaluate the feasibility of providing
an multi -purpose trail that links the eastern half of
the planning area with existing and planned
equestrian trails and open space areas.
Policy 7
The City shall encourage the prese on of open
space in privately owned dev me
projects.
-Program 7.1: W9pt and implement flexible
development standards
., density incentives, and/or
other means to encourage the provision of open
space in new planned developments. Such
standards shall be incorporated into the City
Development Code and other appropriate regulatory
documents.
Policy 8
Watercourses, major flood control improvements
and canals which convey irrigation water shall be
preserved as open space.
0'7 "
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
Chapter 5
PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
PURPOSE
The Parks and Recreation Element establishes the
goals, policies, and programs which guide the
development of parks, trails, bikeways and other
recreational facilities throughout the City. Many of
the City's residents and visitors spend their leisure
time outdoors participating in recreational activities.
The provision of passive and active recreation
opportunities is an important municipal service that
reflects and enhances the community's quality of
life.
BACKGROUND
The Parks and Recreation Element has a direct
relationship with the Open Space and Environmental
Conservation Elements of the General Plan, in that
each of these elements seeks to conserve and
maintain the City's open space and natural
resources. The Parks and Recreation Element also
has connections to the Land Use Element. The land
use map identifies existing and proposed park sites,
trails, and recreational facilities and helps determine
the compatibility of adjacent land uses.
A number of California statutes address the
provision of community parks and recreational
amenities. Government Code Section 65560
requires that the General Plan include a discussion
of areas particularly suited for parks and
recreational purposes, including areas with links
between major recreation and open space
reservations and trails. Section 65561 states that the
preservation of park land is necessary not only for
the maintenance of the economy, but also for the
continued assurance of land for recreation and the
enjoyment of scenic beauty. The statutory
references for park land dedications are found in the
Subdivision Map Act. Specifically, Government
Code Sections 66477 and 66479 enable local
governments to require park site dedications, or fees
in lieu of dedication, as conditions of subdivision
and parcel map approval. Recreational land uses are
included in the description of land use elements in
Section 65302(a). Trail designations are also
required as part of Section 5076 of the Public
Resources Code.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Ass ent',S
supporting document to the General Plan, i clu a
comprehensive discussion and evaluatio f e ng
and proposed public park and recre a ies in
the community.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEED
Buildout of the General Plan and use scenario is
expected to add approximate) 183,730 residents t
the planning rea, re tin ' 1N total buildout
population o a out 1207,970 4—se—F—Land-se
Element). This populat1r3QXLawWwi increase the
demand for parks and recreation facilities. Quimby
Act standards can be used to determine the number
of neighborhood and community park acres needed
to adequately serve the buildout population. The
Quimby Act allows local governments to exact from
developers of residential subdivisions, the dedication
of parkland or in -lieu fees, or both, and establishes a
standard of 3.0 acres of parkland per 1,000
population. Applying this standard to the estimated
General Plan buildout population, a total of 1,040
acres of neighborhood and community parks will be
required to adequately serve the planning area. The
City's goals, policies and programs reflect the need
for these services.
The City requires that on -site retention basins be
incorporated into new development projects to
manage project -generated runoff and 100-year
stormwaters. When properly designed, engineered,
and maintained, retention basins can potentially be
used as viable park and recreation sites. Careful
consideration must be given to a basin's design to
assure adequate and safe accessibility for visitors,
while still maintaining the basin's primary function
as a stormwater management facility.
ou
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Parks and Recreation Element
PARKS AND RECRE ION ELEMENT
ram 2.2: e City shall budget for the
GOALS, POLICIES AND O MS
developmen and maintenance of additional parks to
meet the needs of its residents.
GOAL 1
gram 2.3: The shall investigate and utilize,
A comprehensive system o s a d recre 'on
the extent practical, the broad range of
facilities which integrates cultural r ources into
financing mechanisms available for the purchase,
parks and open space.
peration, and maintenance of new parks and
ecreation facilities. Such mechanisms may include,
GOAL 2
but are not limited to, the Quimby Act, Development
Impact Fees, Mello Roos special districts,
Sufficient parkland and recreati 1 facil' , es to meet
public/private ventures, state and federal grant
the active and passive recrea nal n ds of all
opportunities, and inter -agency joint use
residents and visitors.
agreements.
GOAL 3
rogram 2 ' . he City shall generally require the
The utilization of existing na a an nmade
of fees in lieu of park land dedication in
features to link park facilities, op ace areas and
subdivisions containing 50 or less residential
significant cultural resources.
parcels, and shall exempt residential subdivisions
containing less than five parcels from in -lieu fee
Policy 1
payment.
The City shall strive to distribu e parks an
recreation facilities in a manner that is onvenient o
ogram 2.5: City shall issue a credit for the
City neighborhoods and proportions ly balan d
value of 'mprovements made to dedicated land
within population concentrations.
or existing park and recreational facilities against the
payment of fees or the dedication of land. The City
Program 1.1: City staff shall identify a d prio tize
shall not issue a credit for private recreation
park development projects based upon eed, la
facilities.
availability and funding.
Po 3
Program 1.2: Vehicular and pedestri ccess,
icy
ity shall strive to provide affordable golfing
noise and lighting impacts, public afe and
opportunities for its residents.
community input shall be con 'dered when
determining the location and desig f public arks.
ram 3.1: e City shall promote the
develo a municipal golf course to serve
Program 1.3: The City shall sure that dedicated
loca residents.
land and/or fees in lieu of dication, which are
collected in association wi the Quimby Act, are
Program 3.2: City staff shall coordinate with local
used to rehabilitate or de lop only those parks or
private golf courses to establish a preferred green
recreation facilities at bear a reasonable
fee rate structure for residents during off-peak
relationship to the in bitants of the contributing
seasons of the year.
subdivision.
olicy
Th ty shall s ive to achieve a standard of at least
.0 acres of p and for every 1,000 residents.
Pr'og—ram,2:. The City shall ensure that a total of
1.040 es of improved and unimproved park land
is provided within the City or is located within the
service area of the City at full buildout.
Policy 4
The City shall develop and implement plans for
linkages between open space areas, parks,
recreational facilities, and important cultural
resources.
Program 4.1: Where possible, the City shall
negotiate inter -agency agreements with the
Coachella Valley Water District and the Riverside
County Flood Control District to acquire public use
privileges that permit access to multi -use trail
corridors. Such corridors may include the 077
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Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
FUTURE BUILDOUT CONDITIONS
The proposed General Plan land use scenario is
expected to result in more intense land uses in
portions of the planning area, particularly to the
southeast in the vicinity of the Thermal Airport.
Continued urbanization is expected to increase the
level of polluting emissions generated from grading
and construction activity, vehicular traffic and
energy consumption. Such activities will likely
contribute to the degradation of air quality in the
Coachella Valley.
The disturbance, grading and development of vacant
or undeveloped land typically results in the dispersal
of fugitive dust and sand particles into the
atmosphere. The potential for wind erosion and
dust generation is particularly high in the planning
area, creating the potential for local public health
concerns.
Emissions associated with the daily operations of
residential, commercial and industrial facilities
include stationary emissions from regional electric
power plants and the consumption of natural gas for
heating, cooking and related activities. Power plant
emissions primarily consist of combustion
byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, oxides of
nitrogen, sulfur oxides, particulate matter and
reactive organic gases.
Moving emissions from motor vehicles can also
have substantial impacts on local and regional
ambient air quality, and are expected to increase with
buildout of the proposed General Plan.
AIR QUALITY GOALS, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
Land use and development patterns which contribute
to the improvement of local and regional air quality.
GOAL 2
A reduction in pollution emissions generated within
the City.
GOAL 3
Participation in regional efforts to improve air
quality in the Coachella Valley.
Policy 1
Residential lands and other sensitive receptors,
including schools, child care- centers, hospitals, and
retirement homes, shall be protected from air
pollution point sources, such as industrial facilities,
to the greatest extent practical.
Program 1.1: The General Plan Land Use Element
shall be developed and maintained to locate air
pollution point sources away from residential areas
and other sensitive receoiws.
Program 1.2: ractical, buffer zones shall
be located bet sensitive receptors and point
source emitte s such as highways, industrial
facilities and az ous material sites.
The City shall strive to maintain a balance betwe
housing and commercial and industrial grow
W44hin the community to reduce the length)
Program 2.1: The General Plan Land Use Element
shall provide for commercial and industrial lands
which support the density and spatial distribution of
residential lands.
Program 2.2: The City shall identify areas attractive
for infill development to reduce commuter trips.
Policy 3
Mixed use development shall be encouraged to
reduce the number of vehicle trips and vehicle miles
generated.
Program 3.1: Encourage the incorporation of
eating facilities, wellness centers, and child care
facilities within large commercial, office and
industrial developments.
Policy 4
The City shall encourage growth around activity
centers and arterial streets to provide more efficient
travel patterns and transit service.
Policy 5
The City shall promote the development of
alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor
vehicle emissions.
Program 5.1: The City shall support the
development of pedestrian -oriented retail centers,
community -wide trails, and dedicated bike lanes.
078
50
077
Program 5.2: The Circulation Element of the
General Plan shall be reviewed and updated
periodically to provide for the implementation of
alternative modes of transportation.
Policy 5.3: The City shall continue to consult and
coordinate with CVAG, the Southern California
Association of Governments, and Sunline Transit
Agency in the development and coordination of
mass transit services linking residential, commercial
and resort centers within the City.
Program 5.4: Sunline Transit Agency shall
continue to review site plans for new development to
assure adequate and properly located bus turnouts,
bus lanes and other mass transit provisions, where
necessary.
Program 5.5: The City shall encourage employers
to promote programs which reduce the number of
single -occupancy vehicle trips to work, including
carpooling, telecommuting, Park and Ride, and flex
work schedules.
Policy 6
New development shall be designed and constructed
in a manner which minimizes the emission of
project related pollutants.
Program 6.1: Applicants shall submit detailed air
quality analyses for all proposed projects which
meet or exceed any of the SCAQMD pollutant
emission threshold criteria, as established by the
most recent version of the SCAQMD CEQA Air
Quality Handbook.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Program 6.4: Developers shall be encouraged to
maintain the natural topography of a site through the
use of techniques such as contour grading, to the
greatest extent possible, and to minimize the amount
of mass clearing, excavation, cut and fill operations
required for development.
Policy 7
The City shall continue to cooperate with local,
regional, state and federal efforts to monitor and
manage pollutants of regional concern.
Program 7.1: Support and participate in CVAG,
SCAG and SCAQMD efforts to monitor and
minimize regional air pollutants.
Program 7.2: Continue to support and implement
the provisions of the State Implementation Plan for
PM10 in the Coachella Valley.
Policy 8
The City shall promote the development and use of
alternative, clean energy sources for transportation,
heating, cooling and ventilation.
Program 8.1: To the greatest extent practical, new
development shall incorporate energy -efficient
design measures to reduce the need for heating and
cooling. Such measures may include the use of
trees for shade and windbreaks, and thoughtful site
orientation of buildings and other structures.
Program 6.2: The City shall continue to maintain
and enforce a Fu itTe Dust Control Ordinance. 5G�
Projects eterrruned to have a potentially significant
impact on ambient air quality shall be required to
propose and implement mitigation measures which
reduce impacts to insignificant levels, in accordance
with the Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance.
Program 6.3: The City shall review new
development plans to assure that the location and
design of parking lots, loading zones, and pedestrian
walkways maximize vehicular and pedestrian
efficiency to the greatest extent practical.
079
51
1
The Imperial Irrigation District and The Gas
Company have indicated that they will be capable of
serving new development associated with General
Plan buildout. However, additional non-renewable
energy resources will also be required to support
project buildout and its associated increases in
transportation activity.
Conservation and the thoughtful management of
non-renewable energy and mineral resources will
become increasingly important. The development
and use of energy -efficient technologies and
renewable energy resources will help conserve
limited supplies, improve air quality and reduce
energy costs to residents and local businesses.
ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
GOAL, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL 1
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Program 2.1: Establish building setbacks such that
they do not compromise the solar access of adjacent
properties.
Program 2.2: The City shall evaluate the feasibility
of converting its vehicles to vehicles which are
fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or
other alternative fuels.
Policy 3
The City shall promote energy conservation in
transportation.
Program 3.1: Support and participate in Sunline
Transit Agency's efforts to enhance energy
conservation, including its use of compressed
natural gas and the installation of bicycle racks on
its fleet of buses.
Program 3.2: The City shall support the
development of local and regional bikeways to
provide residents and visitors with non -vehicular
travel alternatives.
The efficient use and management f valuable
energy resources. k0 Program 3.3: The General Plan Circulation and
Lan Use Elements shall provide for an efficient
GOAL 2 circulation system and land use pattern which
minimize travel and facilitate the use of alternative
The conservation and thong ul manage ent o means of transportation.
local mineral deposits to assure the 1 9-term
viability of limited resource __,e
Policy 1 Ve '\
The City shall encourage the incorporation of
energy conservation features in the design of all new
construction and the installation of energy -saving
devices in existing development.
Program 1.1: Planning and building standards
which minimize the consumption of non-renewable
energy resources shall be incorporated into City
codes.
Program 1.2: Passive design concepts which
increase energy efficiency, such as the use of
landscaping materials and site orientation to provide
shade and windbreaks, shall be encouraged.
Program 1.3: The City shall consult and coordinate
with the Imperial Irrigation District and The Gas
Company to provide economic incentives to
consumers who incorporate energy -saving measures
into their homes or businesses.
Policy 2
The City shall promote the development and use of
alternative, clean, renewable energy resources.
Program 3.4: Mixed use development shall be
incorporated into the General Plan Land Use
Element to minimize travel and provide convenient
access to shopping centers, employment centers,
pnd medical and other professional services.
rolicy.Z, .
The City shall preserve known mineral resources as
open space to the greatest extent practical.
Program 4.1: Undeveloped areas known to contain
significant mineral deposits, as determined by the
State Department of Conservation, Division of
Mines and Geology, shall be designated as Open
Space on the General Plan Land Use map and
preserved accordingly.
Policy 5
All mineral extraction activities shall be subject to
the use, development and performance standards
established in the City's Development Code.
Policy 6
Following the completion of mineral extraction
operations, the disturbed site shall be reclaimed to
its original condition, to the greatest extent practical.
53
079
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
The protection and preservation of unique and/or
valuable biological resources, including sensitive,
rare, threatened or endangered species and their
habitat.
Policy 1
The City shall continue to participate in regional
efforts to protect wildlife habitat, including suitable
habitat for rare and endangered species.
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to participate
in the development of the Coachella Valley Multi -
Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CV MSHCP).
Program 1.2: Until the formal adoption of the
Coachella Valley Multi -Species Habitat
Conservation Plan, the City shall continue to
support and implement the Coachella Valley Fringe -
Toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan.
Program 1.3: Maintain and update a map and
information database of sensitive, rare, threatened
and endangered species and habitat within the City
and its immediate surroundings.
Policy 2
Staff shall review all development applications for
vacant land for their potential impacts to existing
wildlife and habitat. Agricultural lands shall be
exempt from this requirement, except as described
below.
Program 2.1: Until the formal adoption of the CV
MSHCP, where development is proposed on
undeveloped lands that have not been graded,
cleared or farmed at the base of the Santa Rosa
Mountains, the site shall be surveyed for the
presence of Desert tortoise.
Program 2.2: Where development is proposed on
sand deposits the site shall be surveyed for the
presence of blowsand endemics, including
Coachella Valley Fringe -toed Lizard, Coachella
Valley milk -vetch, flat -tailed horned lizard, giant
sand -treader cricket, and slender woolly -heads,
unless the species is. covered by a Habitat
Conservation Plan.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Program 2.3: Where develo rt is proposed on
agricultural lands, the site shaU e surveyed for the
presence of burrowing owl.
Program 2.4: All biolog 1 studies shall be
performed by a qualified biol gist. The City shall
prepare and adopt standards r the performance of
biological resource ana and provide these
standards to all applicants. tandards shall include
personnel qualificatio field monitoring,
recordation, documen ion, and sampling
requirements.
Program 2.5: Projects pported by federal funds
(with a federal nexus, s ch as a Corps of Engineers
permit or HUD fun shall require surveys for
the Coachella Valley vetch because of its status
as a listed species un the Endangered Species
Act.
Policy 3
Native, droughtrant desert plant materials shall
be incorporated new development to the greatest
extent practicalasive, non-native species shall
be discouraged./
Program 3.1: The City shall develop and distribute
to homeowners, developers and the general public, a
comprehensive listing of appropriate and desirable
landscaping plant species, as well as prohibited
Vpecies and species to be avoided.
Program 3.2: The City shall encourage developers
to salvage existing desert plant materials from
development sites and to incorporate them into
project landscaping, to the greatest extent practical.
Program 3.3: Large-scale developments, such as
country clubs, shall be encouraged to establish
groves or plantings of untrimmed palm trees, which
could provide roost sites for the southern yellow
bat.
Policy 4
Unique and/or valuable biological resources shall be
preserved as Open Space to the greatest extent
practical.
Program 4.1: All mountainous areas, generally
upslope of the toe of slope, shall be designated as
Open Space to allow for the protection of the
Peninsular bighorn sheep and other species
occurring in these habitats.
081
62
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
Program 4.2: The two square miles at the
southeastern corner of the city limits (Sections 25
and 30, Township 6 South, Range 6 East) within the
Santa Rosa Mountains Wilderness Study Area shall
be designated as open space. _�-
Policy 5
Sensitive habitat areas shall be buffered from urban
development to the greatest extent practical.
Program 5.1: The City shall use zoning standards
and the design review process to assure that
adequate buffers are provided in environmentally
sensitive areas.
Program 5.2: Encourage and participate in the
establishment of multiple use corridors that utilize
drainage channels and utility easements as wildlife
and recreation corridors.
Program 5.3: The City shall consider requiring
barriers around the perimeter of any new project that
borders the hillsides to protect bighorn sheep if they
are demonstrated to occur on the project site.
Informal consultation and/or review by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and California
Department of Fish and Game shall be completed
prior to construction of a barrier.
Policy 6
Projects involving the reconstruction of bridges
shall require biological surveys shall include bats to
determine if significant roosts are present and to
determine appropriate mitigation measures for
impacts to the species.
cam-"
63 _ V81n a 1
WATER RESOURCES
PURPOSE
The quality and quantity of water available for
current and future needs within the City and its
planning area are critical to a healthy community.
The City's continued cooperation and coordination
with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
and other water purveyors is an important aspect of
water resource management. The Water Resources
section must be closely coordinated with the land
use, public infrastructure and services, and natural
resources elements of the General Plan. Its
availability affects the provision of fire protection to
the community and its economic development.
I3ACKGROUND
Water Resources are addressed in Calif is
Government Code Section 65302(d). The Cal' nia
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), ction
31083.2(g), mandates that the City resea and
document, or cause to be researc d nd
documented, the potential impacts tN
hi�}imp nt
natural resource. k
The La Quinta Master Environm s ment
(MEA) includes a complete discu o of the
region's water resources, and of the e orts being
made to conserve and replenish ater sources
throughout the Valley. 7
FUTURE BUILDOUT NE
Buildout of the General Plan will not significantly
change the character of the City of La Quinta, but
will considerably increase the number of residential
units and non-residential land uses which require
wat=t��in
�the
uni s cou
ning area, including both
existing and future units. The plan can also
accommodate a total of 19,137,651 square feet of
commercial space, and 28,835,849 square feet of
business park and industrial space.
New development associated with General Plan
buildout will increase the demand for domestic
water, and can have an impact on the direction and
pollution of surface water throughout the planning
area.
Continued conservation, replenishment and the
implementation of new technology as it becomes
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
available, will help to preserve this important natural
resource. The City's support of the water purveyors
in the planning area will continue to be important to
the quality of life in the City.
WATER RESOURCES GOAL, POLICIES
AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
The careful management and conservation of the
City's water resources.
Policy 1
The City shall ensure that an adequate supply of
water is available to its residents and businesses.
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to implement
its Water Conservation Ordinance, and shallMeview
and update it periodically to e the
implementation of the most up-to-d chnology in
new development.
Progra .2: The'tuilding Department sharp
ens e that all plumbing fixtures in new
evelopment and remodeling projects conform t
a plicable CWifomia statutes ajjd codes.
•.—The—City.. all contlohs
comments from the appropriate water purveyors
when reviewing development projects.
Program 1.4: The City shall support public
education programs which encourage conservation
as they are implemented by the Coachella Valley
Water District (CVWD) and/or the Myoma Dunes
Mutual Water Company.
Policy 2
The City shall continue to promote groundwater
recharge efforts.
Program 2.1: The City shall cooperate with the
CVWD in the location of future recharge areas
within the planning area.
Program 2.2: The City shall continue to implement
its on -site retention requirements for new
development proposals, as a way of recharging
groundwater.
Program 2.3: The City shall regularly coordinate
with the CVWD in implementing new or improved
recharging techniques, including tie design, turf and
agricultural irrigation methods, and the use of
tertiary treater or canal water for irrigation.
Policy 3
The City shall support the use of tertiary treate,
water for irrigation in existing and new planner
communities.
Policy 4
The City shall ensure that surface water resource;
are protected.
Program 4.1: The City shall continue to implement
federal, regional and local standards pertaining tc
the discharge and treatment of pollutants in surface
water, both on private lands and in public facilities.
Program 4.2: The City shall continue to coordinate
with CVD in its review of projects which impact
drainage channels.
Policy 5 V
Development within drainage areas and stormwater
facilities shall be limited to recreational uses such as
golf courses, sports or play fields and similar uses.
Policy 6
All development plans shall be reviewed for their
potential to create surface and ground water
contamination hazards from point and non -point
sources.
Program 6.1: The City shall seek assistance from
all appropriate agencies in reviewing potentially
significant impacts associated with surface and
ground water pollution in new-- t
proposals.
i
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Natural Resources Element
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FMAR
uq
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7
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Elemen
Chapter 7
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES ELEMENT
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Infrastructure and Public
Services Element is to identify and establish the
City's goals, policies and programs pertaining to
the provision of public utilities and municipal
facilities and services. The issues addressed in this
element include the following:
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Protection
• Public Education
• Public Libraries
• Domestic Water
• Sanitary Sewer
• Stormwater Management
• Electricity
• Telephone
• Natural Gas
• Solid Waste Disposal
• Cable
•
The intensity and economic viability of a
community's residential, commercial and industrial
development are dependent upon the level of public
services and utilities available. The provision of
adequate potable water, wastewater treatment
facilities and other public utilities is essential to the
orderly growth and development of the community.
Similarly, adequate fire and police protection, public
education and medical care are essential components
of long-term community planning.
BACKGROUND
The Infrastructure and Public Services Element and
the Land Use Element are closely related to one
another. The location of existing utilities, schools,
fire stations, and other municipal facilities influences
the type and intensity of development that can be
supported within a given area. Likewise, existing
land use patterns provide some guidance in
determining the demand for and location of future
municipal buildings and public utility extensions.
The location of such public facilities is also an
important consideration in the Circulation, Park and
Recreation, Environmental Conservation, and
Environmental Hazards Elements of the Plan.
A variety of state regulations are applicable to public
utilities and infrastructure issues. California
Government Code Section 65302(d) requires that
the General Plan address the conservation,
development, and utilization of natural resources,
including water. Related to this is the provision of
wastewater treatment facilities, natural gas, and
electricity. According to Section 65103(c), the
planning agency must "annually review the capital
improvement program of the city of county and the
local public works projects of other local agencies
for their consistency with the General Plan A
number of state government codes also a ly o t Ike
provision of public and quasi -public se s and
facilities. Government Code Section 302(g)
requires that a General Plan inclu a ty
Element, or its equivalent, that s the
protection of the community fr nre able
risks associated with fire, cri or othe re t .
According to Government Co ectio 30 a),
the General Plan must also ress th loc on,
distribution and adequacy floc du ional
facilities. This Element_ provid ingful
framework from whichho Vmpkr h stat a
A comprehensive kYussi n and alu i n of
existing public an asi p se es w in the
planning area is rov the Qui a Master
Environmental Xsess . L1.
FUTURE JKUILDOUT
The cVrent population of the planning area,
jAefujtin—g—and Thermal, is
025 reside Buildout of the
General Plan land use scenario is expected to result
in an additional 183,730 residents, for a total area
population of about 207,970. Over the long term,
such growth will increase the demand for additional
public services and facilities, including fire
protection, law enforcement services, public schools
and library facilities.
Public Schools
Population growth can result in a substantial
increase in the number of students enrolling in
public schools and can strain existing school
facilities and programs. Student enrollment
associated with future development can be estimated
by applying student generation rates, as determined
085
68 084
by regional school districts. Stu
den, e erati n
rates are based upon the number in le
multi -family housing units associate it ild
General Plan buildout is expected to r Sult , 3
new single-family and 7,398 n m ti- ily
housing units. Based on these i �a er
Plan buildout is likely to add 31 ad 1
students to the planning ar a. ional pu is
school facilities, personnel ogra it be
required to support this Stu nt po ati
r
Public Libraries
Library services are pr I to th City of La
Quinta and other com ni ie th' e planning
area by the Riversi e my br ystem. The
County of Riverside u s an adop tandard of
0.5 square feet per ca to and 1.2 volu s per capita
to determine the lev of library services needed to
adequately serve the ommunity. B.
of
1 req
Fire Protection
The Riverside County Fire Department provides fire
protection services to the planning area. The County
Board of Supervisors has established a staffing
standard of two paid firefighters at each fire station.
As the population within the planning area grows,
additional fire stations and personnel will be
required to maintain adequate response times and
firefighting capabilities. Based upon a generally
accepted standard of one paid firefighter for every
1,000 residents, the buildout population may need as
many as 208 paid firefighters. City staff will need to
work closely with the Riverside County Fire
Department to carefully evaluate the need for
additi determine
ere e d and for additio al services_' test.
44-4
Enforcem nt
Law e en revention services are
provided to the planning ar a by the Riverside
County Sheriff's Departm4nt. Based upon a
generally accepted standard of one officer for every
1,000 residents,the.ulaanin
As the
population of the planning area grows, sheriff's
services and personnel will need to be expanded to
provide additional police protection to the
community.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Element
Potable Water
J The Coachella Valley Water District provides
domestic water services to the City 4La Quinta and
portions of the expanded plan g ea, including
the existing Thermal comm i . However, water
distribution facilities ar ited in unincorporated
areas south of Aven 56. uture development in
this location will require connection to CVWD
potable water facilities and will increase the demand
for additional water resources. s
Du*e -grea.
Sanitary Sewer
Sanitary sewer conveyance and treatment facilities
are provided to the City and portions of the planning
area by the Coachella Valley Water District.
However, existing sewer facilities south of Avenue
56 are limited. In addition, scattered development
within the City and planning area continues to rely
on individual septic tanks and leach fields for
wastewater treatment. New development associated
with buildout of the General Plan will increase the
demand for wastewater conveyance and treatment
facilities and will require the extension of CVWD
services and infrastructure.
Surface Water and Storm Drainage
The Coachella Valley Water District operates and
maintains regional stormwater management facilities
within the City of La Quinta, including the
Whitewater River Stormwater Channel, the La
Quinta Evacuation Channel, and a system of storm
drainage retention and detention basins adjacent to
the Cove. These facilities are designed to
accommodate and direct regional stormwater flows
safely through the City.
The City of La Quinta maintains local storm
drainage facilities, including storm drains within the
rights -of -way of streets located in the Cove. Plans to
install street improvements in the Downtown Village
area, including curb and gutter systems and possibly
storm drains, are currently being developed;
construction is expected to occur within the next two
years. The City maintains six all-weather bridge
crossings within the City limits, and has identified
the need to construct a new bridge on Jefferson
Street at the Whitewater River. The widening of the
existing Eisenhower Drive and Washington Street
bridges at the Evacuation Channel are complete.
f•.
OY 085,
Development associated with buildout of the
General Plan will increase the amount of runoff
generated within the City. The City must continue
to require that new development install on -site
retention basins capable of managing runoff from
the 100-year flood. This will help alleviate
inundation of local and regional stormwater
maintenance facilities.
The City will need to work closely with CVWD to
monitor the adequacy of regional stormwater
drainage facilities and plan for new facilities as
necessary. The City will also need to monitor its
local storm drainage improvements, including storm
drains, curbs and gutters, and all-weather bridge
crossings to assure the safe and adequate transport
of stormwater through the City.
Solid Waste Management
Waste Management of the Desert provides solid
waste collection and disposal services to the City
and planning area through a franchise agreement.
Waste is currently disposed of at the Edom Hill and
Mecca Landfills. These landfills are capable of
accommodating the amount of solid waste currently
generated by residents and businesses within the
planning area. However, the Edom Hill Landfill,
which receives the majority of solid waste from the
planning area, is projected to reach its capacity
around year 2004, and the closure date for the
Mecca Landfill is estimated at year 2011.
New development associated with General Plan
buildout will increase the demand for solid waste
collection and disposal services. While Waste
Management of the Desert has indicated its ability
to adequately serve the buildout population, the City
will need to work closely with affected parties to
assure that alternative disposal sites, with adequate
capacity to meet the needs of the planning area, are
selected and utilized.
Efforts to divert recyclable materials from the waste
stream will become increasingly important as new
development occurs. Comprehensive recycling
programs will help lessen the impacts to landfills
and assist the City in meeting the goals of AB 939.
Public Utilities
Development associated with buildout of the
General Plan will increase the demand for telephone
and cable television services, as well as the rate of
consumption of electric power and natural gas. The
impacts associated with buildout are multiple and
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Element
difficult to quantify. Each of the utility purveyors
serving the planning area has indicated its ability to
provide adequate, high -quality service to the
buildout population. Future growth will require the
expansion of utility infrastructure to meet the
demands of a growing population, particularly in
areas currently underse ed by utilities, including
lands south of Avenu 6 nd some portions of the
Cove. �� Z
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC
SERVICES GOALS, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS
EMERGENCY SERVICES GOAL
A high level of law enforcement and fire protection
provided to City residents, businesses and public
and private property. ,
Policy 1 , --===:V
The City shall continue to support a high level of
fire code enforcement as a means to identify and
remedy unsafe structural conditions, protect
property values and enhance quality of life.
Program 1.1: The City shall evaluate its adopted
Uniform Fire Code for compliance with Fire
Protection Ordinance 546, adopted by Riverside
County to determine the benefits and liabilities of
existing County policies and enforcement
procedures.
Policy 2
The City shall continue to coordinate with the
Riverside County Fire Department to forecast future
fire protection needs and to provide adequate and
timely expansion of fire protection services.
Program 2.1: The City shall coordinate with the
Riverside County Fire Department to evaluate the
siting of a new fire station in north La Quinta and
other locations, as required by existing and future
development.
Program 2.2: The City shall work with the
Riverside County Fire Department to reduce the
existing Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating in
order to improve building safety and reduce
insurance premiums for City residents and
businesses.
70
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Elemen
Policy 3
The City shall coordinate emergency preparedness
and response plans with surrounding cities and
service providers.
Program 3.1: The City shall continue to review,
publicize and update its Multi -Hazard Functional
Plan (MHFP), as appropriate, to ensure that
comprehensive emergency procedures are enacted in
response to the threat of major emergencies.
Program 3.2: The City shall coordinate the
updating of emergency procedures in the MHFP
with the Riverside County Fire Department,
paramedic services, and local and regional health
care providers.
Policy 4
The City shall coordinate with the Riverside County
Sheriff's Department to provide a high level of
police protection to City residents and businesses at
full buildout.
Program 4.1: The City shall work with the -
Riverside County Sheriff's Department to assure
adequate police staffing and facilities are provided to
meet the demands of existing and future
development.
Program 4.2: The City shall coordinate with the
Riverside County Sheriff's Department to promote
community involvement in crime prevention,
including neighborhood watch programs, anti -drug
campaigns, and other citizen -based efforts.
EDUCATION FACILITIES GOAL
Educational facilities and services that are adequate
and convenient to all City residents and enhance the
quality of life within the community.
Policy 1
The City shall assist and coordinate with the Desert
Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and
Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD)
to assure that high quality public educational
facilities and personnel are provided to serve City
students.
Program 1.1: City staff shall review development
proposals of the DSUSD and CVUSD to ensure
that an adequate number of schools and school
personnel are provided to serve the City's existing
and future student population.
Program 1.2: The City shall work closely with
DSUSD and CVUSD to determine the location of
existing and future school facilities. School sites
shall be compatible with surrounding land uses,
convenient to the students they serve, and protected
from excessive noise and traffic conditions to the
greatest extent practical.
Policy 2
Where feasible and beneficial to the community, the
City shall continue to enter into joint use
development agreements with DSUSD and CVUSD
for the shared purchase, use and/ aintenance of
lands for recreational purppses. ,
Policy 3
The City shall supp e process of securing
school impact miti i n fees from developers in
accordance with sKte law.
P'oI cy 4
The City shall promote higher education
epportunities for City residents.
Program 4.1: City staff shall contact local and
regional post graduate institutions to determine the
feasibility of providing satellite courses in local
school district facilities.
Policy 5
The City shall coordinate with the Riverside County
Library System to assure that adequate library
space, volumes and services are provided to City
residents.
Program 5.1: The City, in conjunction with the
Riverside County Library System, shall promote the
development of educational programs and services,
such as bookmobiles and adult education classes,
that serve seniors, the disabled and other special
populations.
Policy 6
The City shall investigate the feasibility of
constructing and operating its own library to assure
that adequate library space and resources are
provided to City residents.
71
087
Al_o 40" ^4—A"
SURFACE R &STORM DRAINAGE
GOAL
Adequate defense against the potential haza
associated with stormwater and surface water
flooding.
Policy 1
The City shall coordinate with the Coachella Valley
Water District (CVWD) to reevaluate the
boundaries of the unprotected 100-year floodplain
(Zone A and Zone AO).
Policy 2
All drainage facilities identified in the
Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan shall be
constructed to conform to the requirements and
standards of the City and CVWD.
Policy 3
All new development shall include on -site
retention/detention basins and other necessary
stormwater management facilities to accommodate
runoff from the 100-year storm.
Policy 4
The City shall assure that roadway stormwater
facilities are designed, constructed and maintained in
a manner which eliminates standing water and
flooding.
Policy 5
The City shall continue to review, publicize and
update, as appropriate, its Multi -Hazard Functional
Plan (MHFP) to ensure that comprehensive
emergency procedures are enacted to minimize the
threat of structural damage or loss of life from
flooding.
Program 5.1: The City shall coordinate the
updating of, emergency procedures in its MHFP
with the Coachella Valley Water District and
Federal Emergency Management Agency.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GOAL
Reduction of the amount of solid waste generated
by City residents and businesses.
Policy 1
The City shall assure that municipal waste is
properly collected and disposed of to minimize
associated health and environmental risks.
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General PI an/l n fra structure & Public Services Elemen
Program 1.1: The City shall coordinate with its
franchised waste provider to provide frequent and
adequate municipal refuse collection and disposal
services to City residents and businesses.
Program 1.2: The City shall continue to coordinate
efforts with the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG), and the Riverside County
Environmental Health Department to provide
hazardous waste collection and disposal services to
the community.
Policy 2
The City shall promote programs and services
which divert and reduce the amount of solid waste
generated by the community.
Program 2.1: The City shall continue to coordinate
with its franchised waste provider to provide for the
collection of recyclable materials.
Program 2.2: Should annexation of the Thermal
community occur, the City shall coordinate with its
franchised waste provider to expand its curb -side
recycling program to serve Thermal residents and
businesses.
DOMESTIC WATER GOAL
Domestic water and sanitary, sewer treatment
facilities and services which adequately serve the
existing and long-term needs of the City.
Policy 1
The City shall assure that adequate, high -quality
potable water supplies and facilities are provided to
all development in the community.
Program 1.1: The City shall coordinate with the
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and, as
necessary, the Myoma Dunes Mutual Water
Company to assure the provision of a safe, adequate
domestic water supply to all development.
Program 1.2: Upon annexation of any portion of
the planning area, the City shall work closely with
CVWD
.f.Qaaqaay to identify and prioritize areas requiring
water service expansion and upgrading.
Policy 2
The City shall assure that an adequate reserve of
potable water is maintained in local storage facilities.
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YA_'A 00.0i TN/City of La Quinta
`'Draft General Plan/Infrastructure & Public Services Elemen
Program 2.1: City staff shall confer and c ordinate
with CVWD to expand the treatment, dis ibution
and use of tertiary treated wastewater.
Program 2.2: New development projects All 1 be.
re uired to use native, drought -tolerant landscaping
materials o promote and enhance water
conservation efforts. I
Policy 3
The City shall assure the provision of adequate
sanitary sewer collection and treatment services and
facilities to all development in the community.
Program 3.1: The City shall continue to coordinate
with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
for the provision of sufficient waste water collection
and treatment services and facilities.
Program 3.2: The City shall coordinate with
CVWD to identify and prioritize areas requiring
expansion and upgrading of sanitary sewer
facilities.
PUBLIC UTILITIES GOAL
A broad range of public utilities that provide for the
existing and long-term needs of the community.
Policy 1
New development shall finance its share of public
utilities infrastructure and improvements required to
accommodate the development.
Policy 2
The City shall provide continuous, affordable public
utilities, including telephone, electric, natural gas,
and cable services, to meet the domestic and
commercial needs of the community.
Program 2.1: The City shall continue to coordinate
planning efforts with CVWD, General Telephone &
Electric, Imperial Irrigation District, The Gas
Company and TimeWarner to assure that reliable,
affordable utility services are provided to City
residents and businesses, to the greatest extent
practical.
Program 2.2: The City shall continue to coordinate
with CVWD, General Telephone & Electric,
Imperial Irrigation District, The Gas Company and
TimeWarner to identify and prioritize areas
requiring service expansion and upgrading.
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All utility and electric wires up to 34.5 kilovo
serving new development shall be installe
,underground.
Policy 4 -
Above -ground utility facilities including but not
limited to well sites, water reservoirs, communication
facilities and utility maintenance areas, shall be
designed in a manner which minimizes potential
environmental hazards and visual impacts to
surrounding properties.
Policy 4.1: To the greatest extent practical, all new
utility equipment boxes, including but not limited to
traffic signal equipment, and electrical and telephone
equipment, shall be located away from street corners
and effectively shielded from public view. P&tLt
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Program 4.2: The design and location of all utility
equipment, such as transformers, boxes, etc., shall
be included on development review applications.
City staff shall review plans to assure that project
design includes adequate landscaping and screening
mechanisms.
Program 4.3: Development standards pertaining to
the location and screening of utility equipment shall
be incorporated into the City Development Code.
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Chapter 8
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ELEMENT
The Environmental Hazards Element includes those
factors of the natural and man-made environment
which can pose a threat to the public health and
safety. The components of the Environmental
Hazards Element include Hazardous Materials,
Emergency Preparedness, Geologic and Seismic
Hazards, Flooding and Hydrology and Noise. Each
subject is discussed individually below, and is
followed by goals, policies and programs specific to
that topic of discussion.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PURPOSE
The Hazardous Materials section of the
Environmental Hazards Element identifies goals,
policies and programs which are intended to safely
manage hazardous and toxic materials. The goals,
policies and programs established herein help
assure the safe use, transport, storage and disposal
of hazardous and toxic materials in the planning
area. The section reinforces the City's concern for
the protection of La Quinta residents and visitors
from adverse health and other impacts resulting
from the presence of hazardous materials in the
planning area.
BACKGROUND
Hazardous materials issues are closely related to
those addressed in the Land Use Element, as the
location of hazardous materials storage and disposal
sites affects and may potentially undermine land use
compatibility. Policies and programs set forth in the
Natural Resources Element are also related to
hazardous materials issues, as the management of
hazardous and toxic materials has a direct effect on
the preservation of clean air and the protection of
water resources against contamination. Fire
protection policies and programs established in the
Infrastructure and Public Services Element also
support the hazardous materials section in their
effort to provide adequate protection from
environmental hazards, including spillage or upset
of hazardous and toxic materials.
California Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that the General Plan address safety issues,
including but not limited to hazardous materials.
County, state and federal agencies are largely
responsible for the control and regulation of such
materials.
Within the City of La Quinta and its planning area,
hazardous and toxic material generators are largely
limited to households and small-scale agricultural
and commercial operations, such as service stations,
pesticide vendors and users, automotive dealers,
medical clinics and golf courses. A variety of
chemical products and elements may be considered
toxic or hazardous, including chemical fertilizers,
herbicides and pesticides, stored fuels and waste oil,
chemical solvents, and pool related chlorine
products. The improper use and management of
these products can potentially result in accidental
spills, illegal dumping, air emissions and other
uncontrolled impacts to the environment.
A discussion of the existing hazardous material
conditions in the planning area is provided in the La
Quinta Master Environmental Assessment (MEA).
The MEA also describes the regulatory environment
established to safely manage such materials.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Buildout of the proposed General Plan will result in
an increase in the amount of industrial designated
lands, particularly in the vicinity of the Thermal
Airport. Operations occurring within this area may
potentially utilize, store and generate toxic and
hazardous materials. Existing agricultural
operations will continue to utilize and store
pesticides, herbicides and related products. Buildout
of the proposed land use scenario will also result in
additional residential development, which is
expected to increase the generation of household
hazardous wastes.
The City of La Quinta is responsible for
coordinating with the appropriate agencies,
including the Riverside County Health Department,
Riverside County Fire Department and the Regional
Water Quality Control Board, for the effective
monitoring and regulation of hazardous mate6i Is
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Draft General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Program 4.1: The City shall coordinate with the
Coachella Valley Water District to provide waste
water collection and treatment facilities to all
development within the planning area.
Policy 5
The City shall encourage the connection of existing
development to the sewage collection system of the
Coachella Valley Water District.
Program 5.1: The City shall provide assistance to
low and moderate income residents for the
connection of existing development to the Coachella
Valley Water District sewer system.
Program 5.2: The City shall help assure that all
septic systems are properly removed from service
upon completion of their use, in accordance with the
requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control
Board and other regulatory agencies.
Policy 6
Facilities which involve the generation, use or
storage of hazardous or toxic materials shall be
located and constructed in a manner which assures
the highest level of safety and is consistent with
City, County, State, and Federal standards and
regulations.
J5E
Program 6.1: To the greatestAxtent
practical, the
General Plan Land Use Map Ad City Development
Code shall permit the of hazardous
materials operations only where compatible with
surrounding land uses.
Program 6.2: All facilities which produce, utilize,
store or transport hazardous or toxic materials shall
be constructed in strict conformance with the
Uniform Fire Code, Uniform Building Code,
National Fire Protection Association standards and
other applicable regulations.
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS to potential hazards and threats. The Circulation
PURPOSE
Element defines available evacuation routes.
Emergency preparedness is a critical component of
the safety and welfare of the community. The
purpose of the Emergency Preparedness section of
the Environmental Hazards Element is to set forth
goals, policies and programs which help ensure the
City's preparation for natural and technological
emergencies. The City's exposure to potential
major seismic and flooding events cannot be
avoided, however, the City can anticipate and prepare
for such events through effective response
programs. The City must also prepare for
technological hazards, including fires, hazardous
materials spills and major traffic accidents.
The City can best prepare for potential emergencies
by utilizing four phases of comprehensive
emergency management: Mitigation, Preparedness,
Response and Recovery. "Mitigation" refers to
activities which eliminate or reduce the chance of
occurrence or the effects of an event.
"Preparedness" refers to activities directed at
planning response and recovery efforts of both
emergency responders and citizens. "Response"
refers to those activities which follow the occurrence
of an event. They are designed to provide
emergency assistance to victims of the event and to
reduce the likelihood of secondary damage.
"Recovery" refers to those activities directed at
restoring all systems and locales to pre -event status
or better. Short-term recovery is directed at
restoring all essential services to minimum operating
standards, while long-term recovery is directed at
cost recovery and a return to the Mitigation phase.
BACKGROUND
Emergency preparedness is directly related to other
issues discussed in the Environmental Hazards
Element, including geologic, seismic, flooding and
hazardous materials emergencies. Concern
regarding emergency preparedness is also
expressed in the Infrastructure and Public Services
Element, in that police and fire protection are critical
to the implementation of an effective emergency
response program. The Land Use and Circulation
Elements also establish policies and programs that
are relevant to emergency preparedness. The Land
Use Element determines land use compatibility and
has some bearing on the exposure of certain lands
California Government Code Section 65302(g)
requires that the General Plan address "the
protection of the community from any unreasonable
risks associated with the effects of seismically
induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground
failure ... and slope instability leading to mudslides or
landslides."
The Coachella Valley is subject to significant
geologic and seismic hazards, which can result in
loss of life and substantial property damage.
Communication between a large number of public,
quasi -public and private agencies is critical to the
effectiveness of emergency preparedness planning
and response. It is imperative that involved
agencies, including cities, utility purveyors, water
districts and emergency response agencies,
participate in on -going organizational meetings to
coordinate the provision of personnel, equipment
and supplies. An effective emergency response
program will plan for such disaster response efforts
as debris removal, emergency health care, the
provision of food and shelter, and the maintenance
of critical services such as transportation, water,
sewage and electricity.
The La Quinta Master Environmental Assessment
(MEA) includes a thorough discussion of the City's
existing emergency preparedness programs and
responsibilities.
FUTURE BUILDOUT NEEDS
Development associated with buildout of the
proposed General Plan is expected to increase the
demand for emergency services. Buildout is
expected to result in an estimated 183,730 additional
residents in the planning area. The General Plan
land use scenario will allow for more intense
development in locations that are currently
undeveloped, particularly to the southeast near the
Thermal community. The proposed land use plan
will also accommodate the development of industrial
operations in the vicinity of the Thermal arr&
B6@tMNd% Dome Airports, Continued urbanization
will increase the potential risk of including structural
fires, traffic accidents and hazardous materials
spills.
The City will continue to coordinate emergency
response efforts with other appropriate agencies and
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will also implement its own emergency avoidance
measures. Development standards set forth in the
City's Development Code will determine how
effectively emergency personnel will be able to
respond to events affecting occupied structures.
The City will be able to influence, to some extent,
the occurrence of hazardous incidents through the
distribution of land uses and location public safety
facilities.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
A comprehensive, effective, high quality emergency
onse plan which provides for the safety of the
City s residents and property.
C rN is$
Policy 1
The City shall maintain a community emergency
response plan to assure adequate response to the
threat of a major seismic event, flood, fire or other
incidents,
Program 1.1: The City shall continue to review and
periodically update, as necessary, its Multi -Hazard
Functional Plan (MHFP) or Emergency Operations
Plan (EOP).
Policy 2
The City shall coordinate emergency preparedness
and response plans with neighboring cities and
other appropriate organizations, including Riverside
County, the State Office of Emergency Services, the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
(CVAG), local health care providers and utility
purveyors.
Policy 3
The City shall continue to use code enforcement as
a means of identifying and remedying unsafe
structural conditions.
Policy 4
Critical and other sensitive facilities, including fire
and police stations, health care facilities and schools
shall be sited in a manner which assures maximum
protection from environmental hazards.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Program 4.1: The General Plan Land Use Map and
City Development Code shall prohibit the
construction of critical facilities in close proximity
to earthquake faults, rockfall areas, floodplains or
other environmental hazards.
Policy 5
The City shall actively participate in efforts to
educate the public about fire prevention measures,
earthquake preparedness and appropriate response
to other potential hazards.
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FLOODING AND HYDROLOGY GOAL,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
' ,Hie protection of the general health, safety and
Nvelfare of the community from flooding and
:associated hydrological hazards.
Policy 1
Major flood control facilities shall be designated as
Open Space/Watercourse land uses on the General
11'lan Land Use map and shall be used only for flood
control, open space and recreational purposes, as
appropriate.
Policy 2
The City shall designate evac ation routes which
provide safe ingress and egre s for residents and
emergency vehicles in the Cove neighborhoodsin the
event of a major flood.
Program 2.1: The City shall provide maps and
other information concerning evacuation routes to
residents of the Cove, Riverside County Fire
Department, Sheriff's Department and other
appropriate agencies.
Policy 3
Encourage the use of engineering and design
techniques which minimize the potential for
seismically induced inundation to occur.
Program 3.1: The City shall coordinate with the
California Division of Dam Safety to monitor the
structural safety of the levees of Lake Cahuilla.
Program 3.2: Coordinate with the Coachella Valley
Water District to evaluate the structural integrity of
above -ground water tanks and reservoirs, and
implement adequate bracing techniques to minimize
potential structural damage and/or failure.
Policy 4
Implement measures which protect bridge crossings
from the scouring and erosive effects of flooding.
Program 4.1: The Public Works Department shall
inspect bridge crossings for scour damage during
and after significant flooding events.
Program 4.2: The City shall coordinate with the
appropriate state agencies to participate in the state's
bridge scour inventory and evaluation program.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Policy 5
Drainage policies and development standards shall
provide for a reduction in runoff from developed
lands and shall be consistent with local and regional
stormwater management plans.
Program 5.1: At the discretion of CVWD, new
development shall continue to be required to
construct on -site retention/detention basins and
other necessary stormwater management facilities
that are capable of managing 100-year stormwater
flows. New development immediately adjacent to the
Whitewater River shall continue to have the option
of discharging 100-year stormwater flows directly
into the stormwater channel.
Policy 6
Major drainage facilities, including debris basins
and flood control channels, shall provide for the
enhancement of wildlife habitat and community
open space, to the greatest extent practical, while still
maintaining their functional qualities.
Program 6.1: Coordinate with CVWD to assure
that designs which provide for enhanced wildlife
habitat and open space amenities, such as hiking and
equestrian trails, are fully explored and integrated
into major drainage facilities, to the greatest extent
practical.
Policy 7
The City shall coordinate efforts to reduce the
boundaries of the FEMA-designated 100-year
floodplain.
Program 7.1: Work closely with CVWD to
facilitate the construction of stormwater
management facilities which reduce the boundaries
of the 100-year floodplain, particularly south of the
La Quinta Evacuation Channel, between Eisenhower
Drive and Adams Street.
Policy 7.2: Coordinate and cooperate in the filing
of FEMA applications to amend the Flood
Insurance Rate Maps, as necessary.
Policy 8
New critical facilities shall not be constructed within
the boundaries of the 100-year flood plain.
Policy 9
The Multi -Functional Hazard Plan shall be routinel
updated to address flooding hazards within the City 9 O
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NOISE GOAL, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
GOAL
n healthful noise environment which complements
Ilse City's residential and resort character, and the
mix of land uses provided in the City.
Policy 1
Tile; City shall maintain noise standards in
conformance with the Table 8.1, Community Noise
;ind Land Use Compatibility.
Program 1.1: The Noise Ordinance (Municipal
Code Section 9.60.230 et. seq.) shall be amended to
allow a 65 dBA CNEL outdoor noise level for
sensitive receptors such as residential and
institutional land uses.
Program 1.2: The Building Department shall
maintain Uniform Building Code standards which
ensure that interior noise levels meet or exceed the
standards in Table 8.1, Community Noise and Land
Use Compatibility.
Policy 2
New or redevelopment projects proposing sensitive
receptors and located on arterial roadways shall be
required to prepare a noise impact analysis to
mitigate noise levels to meet or exceed City
standards.
Policy 3
New or redevelopment projects proposed adjacent to
existing residential development shall be required to
prepare a noise impact analysis to mitigate noise
impacts on adjacent residential properties.
Policy 4
The City may require remedial noise control plans
for areas experiencing noise in excess of adopted
City standards.
Program 4.1: The City shall add projects which
address remedial mitigation measures required for
noise attenuation to its Capital Improvement
Program, as necessary.
Policy 5
The City shall periodically review land use patterns
and the noise environment, and amend the Land Use
Map as needed to ensure noise/land use
compatibility.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Environmental Hazards Element
Policy 6
The City Engineer shall include noise impact
analysis in his design of road widening projects to
assure that they meet City noise standards, and shall
incorporate appropriate mitigation measures into
those designs.
Policy 7
The City Engineer shall maintain a truck route plan
which restricts truck travel to arterial roadways.
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GOAL 2
The preservation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and/or
restoration of cultural resources and prevention of
unnecessary destruction of or adverse effects to
such resources through city -sponsored or assisted
projects and programs.
Policy 2.1
The city shall make all reasonable efforts to protect
cultural resources under its regulatory authority.
Program 2.1.1: Adopt a proactive approach to
historic preservation in all city -sponsored or
assisted projects and programs to ensure the proper
protection of cultural resources.
Program 2.1.2: Implement the Secretary of the
Interior's standards and guidelines for the
preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of historic
buildings and structures, and in all city -sponsored
or assisted projects and programs that may have
impacts on cultural resources.
Program 2.1.3: Seek federal and state funding for
historic preservation projects from all available
sources, including those provided under the
Community Development Block Grant Program, the
California Heritage Fund, and various programs
sponsored by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation.
Program 2.1.4: Explore the feasibility of
establishing a historic preservation revolving fund,
to be financed by tax increments, and other
appropriate sources, for the acquisition, relocation,
renovation, rehabilitation, restoration, or
reconstruction of cultural resources.
Program 2.1.5: Consider the use of City
Redevelopment funds for historic preservation
projects.
Policy 2.2
The city shall seek to increase its control and
influence, when necessary, over cultural resources
within its jurisdiction.
Program 2.2.1: Explore the feasibility of bond
issues to fund the acquisition, relocation, renovation,
rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction of
cultural resources, as authorized.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Cultural Resources Element
Program 2.2.2: Explore the prospect of a standing
Memorandum of Agreement with OHP that enables
the city to exercise increased local control over the
decision -making process on cultural resources
issues arising from NHPA Section 106 compliance.
Prnicy 1.3
The City shall continue to pursue the creation of
cultural resources museum and repository fc
r„rP1C' w-t,
GOAL 3,.,
A system of incentives and regulations that will
encourage the preservation, maintenance,
rehabilitation, and/or restoration of cultural
resources and prevent the unnecessary destruction
of or adverse effects to such resources by private
development projects.
Policy 3.1
The city shall support incentives, assistance, and
opportunities for historic preservation available
through federal, state, or city programs.
Program 3.1.1: Develop the necessary procedures
to implement property tax reduction for owners of
cultural resources who enter into contracts to
preserve such resources, as provided by the Mills
Act.
Program 3.1.2: Encourage and assist owners of
qualified historic buildings to take advantage of
income tax credit provided in the 1986 Tax Reform
Act.
Program 3.1.3: Consider the creation of a financial
incentive program for property owners in the Cove
which provides funding for the preservation of the
architectural integrity of their homes.
Program 3.1.4: Continue to implement the existing
transfer of development rights/density bonus
program.
Program 3.1.5: Continue to implement the
application of the State Historic Building Code.
Program 3.1.6: Waive or reduce permit fees for
qualified historic preservation projects.
Program 3.1.7: Amend the city's Zoning Ordinance
to reflect historic preservation regulations and
incentives. 9
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Cultural Resources Elernent
Program 3.1.8: Modify development standards,
including parking, setback, landscaping, and
road/driveway width to accommodate the
preservation of historic buildings and districts.
Program 3.1.9: Promote the use of seismic retrofit
tax credits, and assist citizens to take advantage of
the credits before the expiration of Revenue and
Taxation Code §74.5 in July, 2000.
Program 3.1.10:- Develop materials to inform
interested parties of potential benefits provided by
the California Heritage Fund and the National Trust
for Historic Preservation, such as the National
Preservation Loan Fund, the Inner -City Ventures
Fund, the Preservation Services Fund, and the
Johanna Favrot Fund.
Policy 3.2
The city shall use its regulatory power to ensure the
proper protection of cultural resources and avoid or
minimize adverse effects on such resources from
private projects that require discretionary city
actions.
Program 3.2.1: Require all proposed project sites
to be surveyed by a qualified archaeologist,
historian, and/or architectural historian, as
appropriate, to identify any potential cultural
resources that may be affected, unless the
preponderance of the evidence demonstrates that
such survey is unnecessary.
Program 3.2.2: Maintain and enforce the city's
archaeological consultants qualification guidelines
to ensure the consistent application of professional
standards.
Program 3.2.3: Adopt procedures to prevent the
demolition of historic buildings and structures
without proper review, including existing conditions
evaluation and rehabilitation analysis.
Program 3.2.4: Establish polices and procedures in
code enforcement to prevent deterioration of historic
buildings, structures, landscapes and districts.
Program 3.2.5: Amend the zoning ordinance to
create, as appropriate, historic zoning districts and/or
historic overlay districts in the city.
Program 3.2.6: Establish interdepartmental review
procedures to ensure the uniform implementation of
historic preservation policies in the city's
decision -making process.
GOAL 4
The integration of cultural resource preservation into
the City's economic development strategy.
Policy 4.1
The city shall use its historic preservation programs
to stimulate community revitalization and
redevelopment, job creation, and investment in the
community.
Program 4.1.1: Apply incentives to encourage
compatible development and redevelopment projects
in existing residential neighborhoods and
commercial districts without sacrificing the integrity
of cultural resources.
Program 4.1.2: Develop and distribute materials
promoting historic preservation as a means to
stabilize and enhance property values in the city.
Policy 4.2
The city shall use its historic preservation programs
to promote tourism in the city, and thereby support
and stimulate its business and industry.
Program 4.2.2:
Program 4.2.1: Publicize the cultural heritage oI'
the city, and promote appropriate cultural resources
as tourist destinations.
Program 4.2.2: Explore a cooperative partnersliil)
with the County of Riverside Economic;
Development Agency in the agency's heritage
tourism program.
Program 4.2.3: Promote and protect popular fi I n i
locations in the city, and develop new ones III
consultation with the Riverside County Fi l in
Commission and representatives of the ti l in
industry.
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TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Cultural Resources Element
■
('()AL 5
Increased public awareness of the City's heritage.
Policy 5.1
The city shall sponsor, and encourage others to
sponsor, public education programs and other
activities to disseminate information about La
( )uinta's history and its cultural heritage.
Program 5.1.1: Establish a voluntary historic
marker program for cultural resources of
distinguished significance or high visibility.
Program 5.1.2: Explore the prospect of
city -sponsored or co -sponsored publications to
publicize La Quinta's history and its cultural
resources.
Program 5.1.3: Improve availability of information
on historic buildings, structures, districts, and
(A)iect.s to the general public, except in cases where it
can be demonstrated that increased public access
w i I compromise the integrity of these resources.
P g
Program 5.1.4: Encourage the local school districts
t() develop local history curricula in public schools.
Program 5.1.5: Promote the use of historic districts
and appropriate cultural resources for the education,
and enjoyment of the public, including the
clevelopment of walking, driving, or bicycling tours.
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MEMORANDUM
T0: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM: JERKY HERMAN, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ilk
DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2001
SUBJECT: GENERAL PLAN HANDOUT
Attached is a copy of Commissioner Robbins comments on the General Plan Update.
They were inadvertently omitted from the staff report.
In addition there is a copy of stamped Page 13, which now identifies the page number
where each person's comments may be found.
100
City of La Quinta General Plan
Joint City CounciUPlanning Commission Meeting/November 14, 2001
ATTACHMENT #1
MEMORANDUM
November. 12, 2001.
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Cityr, Council
Honorable Chair and Members of the Planning Commission
FROM: Nicole Sauviat Criste ._,. .
Planning Consultant
RE: Proposed Changes to the General Plan
Following the last joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing, staff was
directed to collect comments from members of the City Council and Planning` Commission
regarding proposed changes to the General Plan. The purpose of this memorandum is to
summarize the comments received. They are appended in their entirety to this document _for
your, review.
This memorandum is organized as follows.
l . Comments pertaining to the General Plan in its entirety/blanket comments.
2. Comments pertaining to each Element, in the order they are included in the General Plan
document.
3. The author of the comment's initials are included in bra ets at the end of each comment
as follows: n �4'1nP_,f,S '
Councilwoman Henderson: (TH)
Councilman Perkins:
Councilman Adol h: DA
Planning Commissioner_ Tyler.: (RT)3a;.w.
Planning Commissioner Kirk: (TK) .
Planning Commissioner Robbins
Comments or questions by staff are provided in italics where they have arisen.
Each item will be brought up individually at the meeting,of November 14`h, and consensus as
,...
to., ether the change should be made shall be secured prior to moving on to the next item.
As previously stated, comments relating to typographical errors and formatting of the
......:....
document are not included here. The items listed below relate specifically to additions or
deletions which affect the policy of the City.
I. Comments relating to the entire General Plan
A. Add a Vision Statement to the General Plan. (TK)
NB: Please see the Vision Statement drafted by Commissioner Kirk, and attached
to his written submittal for the complete text he is proposing.
1
4.5.4 Sto rAfbrainage 59
The C chella Valley Wa r District (CV D)
opera s and maintain regional stormwa r
mana ement facilities w' in the City of La Quinta.
Thes facilities safel through the
City d include th hitewater River tormwater
Ch el and the La Quinta vacuation Channel. In
addit'on, a comprehensive system of storm
draina a improvements has been installed adjacent
to the ve, which requires special protection from
stormwat flows due to its proximity to the steep
slopes of t Santa Rosa Mountains. The Bear
Creek Chann , which extends along the western
boundary of the ove, and a series of retention and
detention basins cated east of the Cove, .transport
flows from the so them end of the Cove .to the La
Quinta Evacuation hannel.
The Cit)ed
te and maintains storm drains
within ts- f-way of streets located in the
Cove. Ta' s range from 18 to 60 inches in
diametea recently retrofitted by the City.
The Cityntly developing plans to improve
streets iowntown Village area within the
next two0 Improvements will include the
installaturb and gutter systems and may
include tlation of storm drains.
There are currently six all-weather bridge crossings
iEger
Two bridges are located on
r one of which crosses the
r one the La Quinta Evacuation
bridge is located on Eisenhower
Drive at the La Quinta 117varlint 'on Channel. Three
bridges cr th Coachella Val ey rrigatio
hanne son treet, an venue
5 e City is pro ing u, bri
on Jefferson Street at a itewater River nd to
widen the Eisenhowe Drive at the
Evacuation Channel. Wid ing of the Washington
Street bridge has been comp ted.61
Since its incorporation, the ity has fired that
new development install on- ' etention basins
which are capable ag ng noff from the
100-year flood. evel ment locate 'mmediately
adjacent to th Whitewate River Stormwater
Channel has the o ' ng its runoff
directly into the Channel.
4.5.5 Electricity 62
Electrical services are provided to the planning area
by the Imperial Irrigation- District- (IID).. IID
operates six substations which serve the planning
area, including the following:
North La Quinta Substation located at the
northwest corner of Adams Street and
estward Ho, abutting the Whitewater. River
Ch nel
2. La Q ' to Substation - located at the southwest
corner Avenue 48 and Jefferson Street
3. Marshall ubstation - located at the terminus of
Washingto Street and Avenida Ultimo
4. Jefferson Su station located at the northeast
comer of Ave e 52 and Jefferson Street
5. ThermalSubst ion located south of Airport
Boulevard and e t of Highway 1 l
6. Avenue 58 Subst 'on - located at the northwest
corner of Avenue 8 and Monroe Street
The location of these ubstations is illustrated in
Exhibit 4.4. All of the ubstations are rated _ at 92
kilovolts, with the ex eption of the Avenue 58
substation, which operat sat 161 kilovolts. Voltage
is decreased to 12 kilovolts for distribution to
residences and other de elopments.
It is estimated that re idential customers in the La
Quinta area use an a rage of approximately 6,000
kilowatts per year. t is more difficult o estimate
the average electr' ity usage for commercial users
since commer ' 1 usage is largely based upon
facility size type of use. For this reason, an
average c ation for commercial use would not
be in 1.
It is I 's objective to plan for and accommodate
fut a development in order; to avoid potential
ice deficiencies. III) has indicated its ability to
provide service to future development associated
with General Plan buildout and will address the
demand for additional facilities as new development
occurs. III) has identified the need for a new
substation between the La Quinta city. limits and
Desert Resorts Airport to meet future demands;
however, the exact location of this substation has
not yet been determined.
lot
62
5.6 Water Resources
5.6.1 Groundwater Resources
The Whitewater River sub -basin, which extends
from the junction of Highway 111 and Interstate
10, west of Palm Springs southwesterly to the
Salton Sea, south and east of the City, serves as the
groundwater repository for the Coachella Valley.
The sub -basin covers a total of 400 square miles.
The sub -basin is further divided into sub -areas due
to fault barriers, constrictions in basin profile, and
areas of low permeability. The sub -basin flows
from the northwest to the southeast, as evidenced
by higher water levels at the northwest portions of
the sub -areas. A study conducted by the California
Department of Water Resources in 1964 estimated
that the sub -basin had approximately 28.8 million
acre feet of water in storage (one acre foot is the
volume of water that would cover an acre of land to
a depth of one foot, and is equal to 324,829
gallons).
The City and planning area occur over the Upper
and Lower Thermal sub -areas, with the division
occurring at Point Happy. The aquifer in this area
occurs at depths of 300 to 600 feet, and is 500 to
1,000 feet thick.
The water table in the Lower Thermal area had risen
in the past several years, primarily due to the
application of imported water from the Coachella
Canal and a reduction in pumpage, while the Upper
Thermal sub -area's water table has fallen.113 It
appears that increased urbanization may be causing
the Lower Thermal sub -area to currently be in
overdraft. The Coachella Valley Water District
(CVWD) is currently studyin aquifer water levels,
but has estimated that t he as
approximate y 1 .4 million gallons of water in
storage. tq
Domestic and Irrigation Water Sources
The CVWD pumps water from eleven active wells
in th and planning area for both domestic use
antl
irrigation., igation needs are supplemented
by ra iver water delivered through the
Coachella Canal. Lake Cahuilla acts as. the terminal
reservoir for the Canal, and is used by CVWD to
maintain canal water levels. Canal water is also used
by golf courses in the City for irrigation purposes.
TN/City of La Quints
Draft General Plan/Master Environmental Assessment
The amounts vary, and are generally used in
combination with untreated well water.115
In the Bermuda Dunes portion of the planninthe
Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company also uses
groundwater from five wells to deliver domestic
water to its customers.
Water Usage and Overdraft
The CVWD annually calculates the amount of
water being produced (pumped from its wells), as
well as the amount of water being recharged, either
from natural or man-made sources. In recent years,
the production of water has exceeded the recharge,
and the sub -basin has experienced an overdraft
condition. The most recent calculations by the
District are displayed in Table 5.6, below:
Table 5.6
Overdraft in the Management Area*
Item
Acre-
Feet/Yr.
Production
-186,562
Non -consumptive Return
(40% of production)
+ 74,625
Natural Recharge
+ 49,000
Natural Outflow
- 25,000
Groundwater Replenishment
based on allocation
+ 6190001
Groundwater from storage
(overdraft)
- 26,737
DWR estimated storage2
119000,000
ercentage of overdraft
0.24%
*Base. o consumptive use.
1 Act al recharge for calendar year 1997 was 113,677
acre-f
2 Firs 1,000 feet below ground surface.
(,U. e•
C_\5 �
y , C
93
A
03
The CVWD and the Desert Water Agency ha
been recharging the Whitewater River sub-basi
with Colorado River Water, under contract with the
State Water Project since 1973. Annual
entitlements for the two agencies currently total
61,200 acre feet annually.116 The waters are carried
by the Metropolitan Water District (MWD)
aqueduct to spreading ponds located in the upper
Valley, northwest of Palm Springs.
he CVWD is also considering watet'
replenishment programs in the lower Valley, and
has two ponds located south of the City, at Avenue
62 and Madison (extended), which currently
recharge approximately 9 acre feet of water per day.
The District is also considering potential sites
further south, in the Martinez Canyon area for
recharge. Such a program, if implemented, would
occur in 5 to 10 years.
Natural recharge of the groundwater also occurs
naturally, through percolation of rainfall in the
Valley, and runoff originating in the surrounding
mountains.
Tertiary Treated Water
Wastewater reclamation is also being used by
CVWD to lessen the need for groundwater
supplies. Although not in use in the planning area, a
number of Valley golf courses currently irrigate
with tertiary treated water from the CVWD
wastewater treatment plant east of Cook Street. The
District is delivering an average of 3 to 5 million
gallons per day, and has a current capacity for 10
million gallons per day. The District maintains a
waiting list of golf courses wishing to be connected
to tertiary treated irrigation water.
Water ality
The ality of the water in the groundwater basiNth
generally excellent, but "is affected by
importation of Colorado River recharge water from
the MWD aqueduct. Analysis of this water source
has shown that the level of total dissolved solids
(TDS) is three times higher than natural percolation
water. Since the vertical mixing of recharge water
and the deeper aquifer water is impeded by dense
layers of sediment, the potential for improved
quality, which occurs when both are mixed, is
lowered.
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft. General Plan/Master Environmental Assessment
Water Conservation
A number of programs have been implemented by
both the City and the CVWD to encourage water
conservation. The City's ordinances support, and in
some cases require, the planting of drought tolerant
landscaping. The District has published a number
of pamphlets on drought tolerant landscaping,` and
offers -plan checking for landscape' plans. The City
rovisions of the 'Uniform
also implements p
Building Code which require the installation of
water conserving fixtures in homes and b1in ses.
5.6.2 Su
Whitewater Riv d its tributaries ' them
surfs n the City and planning area.
In addition, the C ella Canal, which supplies
Colorado River water to the planning area, Lake
ahuilla and lakes and ponds within private
p nned communities, are also sources of surface
wat
The Whitewater Riv hich occurs immediately
north of Hag way 11 and divides the City, is the
primary drainage channel in the region.
The watersheds in the City., which are subject to
intense short -duration rainfall, experience runoff
which flows to intermittent streams and drain to the
Valley floor. The area's primary watershed is Bear
Creek, which occurs at the south end of the Cove
area, and divides into two smaller streams running
er side t n the east
oral Ree Mountains, a number of intermittent
ttreams drain into Lake Cahuilla.
Surface Water Management
Much of the City occurs outside the 100 year
floodplain, as determined by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. Isolated areas of
the Cove Are located in Zone A, as are the flood
control channels.
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
maintains the Coachella Valley Stormwater
-Channel, the La Quinta Evacuation Channel, the
-Bear Creek Channel, and other drainage facilities in
the City.
104
94
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Master Environmental Assessment
Mid -Valley Channel
The CVWD has planned and designed a drainage
channel to be constructed along the foot of the
northeast facing slope of the Palm Springs Sand
Ridge, from Cathedral City to Indio. The channel is
planned to occur adjacent to the Southern Pacific
Railroad lines, paralleling Interstate 10 in the
northern -most portion of the planning area. The
channel is needed to provide controlled drainage to
an isolated portion of the Whitewater River
drainage area.
A detailed discussion of surface water management
efforts in the City and planning area is included in
the Environmental Hazards Element.
Ali (t�r
LAI-
105
95
The 100-year flood zone in u s ose areas
subject to inundation that has a o rce (1 %) or
greater chance of occurring withi a %.1 y
shown in Exhibit 6.6, lands vicini of
Eisenhower Drive and Washi ton S et, sou of
the La Quinta Evacuation hannel, e loced
within the 100-year flood p in. This inclus
the City Hall building o Calle Tampico and Fi
Station #32 at Aveni Bermudas a nces
Hack Lane.
The 100-year f196d zone is contained w thin the a
Quinta Evacyation Channel, Bear Cre k Chann ,
East La Uinta Channel and di ion basin
surroundin the Cove neighbor od. The,
'tewater River 's also capable of co taining 100-
year where it passes thr ugh the City
north of Highway 111, and where it asses through
the easternmost portion of the plan ng area, east of
the Desert Resorts Airport.
Areas located within the 500-y ar flood zone are
susceptible to inundation th?t has a one in 500
chance of occurring duri g a given year. As
illustrated in Exhibit .6, the entire Cove
neighborhood is conta' ed within the 500-year
floodplain, as are nds in the vicinity of
Washington Stree , south of the La Quinta
Ev8eEwater
Lands immediately adjacent to
the :River east of Adams Street, are also
inc 00-year flood zone. The 500-year
flood zone also encompasses a relatively large area/
in the easternmost portion of the pla i ;�
Fthe—e-a—slern
nd on both sides of th White
gv=one- a o e esert esorts
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Master Environmental'Assessment
drainage within the planning area. District functions
include flood control planning and the construction
an aintenance of drainage improvements,
g the C�chella Valle
Stormwater
La Quinta E- vacuation Channel and the
ear Creek Channel.
The management of local drainage is the
responsibility of the City. The City operates and
maintains storm drains, ranging from 18 to 60
inches in diameter, within the rights -of -way of
treets in the Cove. Street improvements, consisting
o curb and gutter systems and possibly storm
drat s, are anticipated to be installed in the
Down wn Village area within the next two
years. i Since its incorporation, the City has
required th new development construct on -site
retention and detention basins capable of
managing 100-year ormwater flows. Deve
located immediately adiacPnt to hitewater,
ne option or conveying
tfi6 river.132
or ilood Control Facilities .
The Whitewater River is the pr
the upper Coachella Valle)Nan(
flows southeast throughth
t en flows northeast I ou
entually draining into t e S
les southeast of the C' y. T
dr in area of appro imatel
up earn of La Quint..
Ea' f Washington Stre ', the'
a � -m channel own as 1
p6�1c�
h planning area. Is
i f La Quinta,
City of Indio,
:on Sea about 40
river has a total
850 square miles
ort. a n ined in mosl
ons, wit evees extending about ten feet above
In addition to flooding that could occur in the , 7Cochella
round. The Channel is maintained by the
locations described above, FEMA has � Valley Water District (CVWD). -
n mainr hreaknnt of th Whitewater ,
Sitewater Rivebetween Jefferson Street and
NI-ii-e-s-A'venue. If such an event were to occur,
portions of the cities of Indio and Coachella, as well
as the Indian Springs Country Club in La Quinta,
would likely be inundated. Levee improvements
along the stormwater channel have decreased the
chance of a breakout occurring.
6.4.3 Drainage Management
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is
responsible for the management of. regional
Tfie La Quinta Evacuation Channel extends
approximately 3.5 miles in length and conveys
runoff from the Oleander Reservoir to the
Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel.
The Upper Bear Creek drainage system extends
along the southerly and westerly edges of the Cove
neighborhood and includes the Upper Bear Creek
Training Dike, Bear Creek, Upper Bear Creek 10 6
Detention Basin, Bear Creek Channel and four side
drainage inlets. The system is designed to manage
stormwater from a 100-year flood event. The Upper
. ca L Go V
J
110 rner
,
t
/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Master Environmental Assessment
Bear Creek Training Dike captures 100-year from sloshing water. Development downgradient
stormwater runoff from a drainage area of from a damaged tank may be inundated as a result
approximately 1.7 square miles. As shown in of structural failure.
Y4 Exhibit 6.6, runoff is conveyed to Bear Creek, then
to the Upper Bear Creek Detention Basin, which 6.4.5 Bridge Scour
has a storage capacity of 752 acre-feet. Outflows
enter the Bear Creek Channel,which extends
approximately 2.5 miles along the westerly edge of
the Cove. Stormwater is collected in the Oleander
Reservoir and is conveyed to the La Quinta
Evacuation Channel, where it is eventually
discharged to the Coachella Valley Stormwater
Channel.
Q�
Ll
The East La Quinta Channel is located along the
eastern boundary of the Cove neighborhood. It
captures runoff from the foothills east of Avenida
Bermudas and conveys it, along with small
quantities of runoff from the Calle Tecate Detention
Basin, to the Avenida Bermudas Detention Basin.
During a 100-year storm, runoff is discharged
through a 60-inch underground; pipe to the La
Quinta Evacuation Channel.
> ake Cahuilla is located between Avenue 56 and
Avenue 58, west of Jefferson Street and adjacent to
the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. It was
constructed in 1969 to serve as a reserve supply of
irrigation water. The lake is the terminal reservoir
of the Coachella Branch of the All -American Canal,
which provides irrigation water to agricultural lands
in the eastern Coachella Valley.
6.4.4 Seic e.an ica y Induced
Inundation
Seiche is defined as the oscillation of surface water
within an enclosed or semi -enclosed basin, such as
a lake or reservoir, which occurs in response to
strong seismic groundshaking. '
planning area, Lake Cah echarge basi
southeast of L a uilla have the potential of
seiching. od control and reservoir facilities that
expe ' nce seiching could pose a threat to nearby
d elopment by failing and inundating developed
ds with large volumes of water.
Seismically induced inundation is flooding that
occurs when water retention structures, such as
above -ground water tanks and reservoirs, fail
during an earthquake or are structurally damaged
by seismic groundshaking. Tanks must be
adequate baffled. and braced to prevent damage
R 1
As flood flows move rapidly beneath a bridge or
railroad crossings, they can erode and remove
streambed material from bridge foundations, and
transport the material downstream. This process,
know* as bridge scour, can cause a subsequent loss
of sty -,art of bridge foundations, and may result in
strr r`al damage or collapse of the bridge. Scour
ca- jccur within the main channel, on the flood
plain, or both.
Six bridge crossings are located throughout t e
City at the following locations 133; `
• Washington Street at th 'tewater River
• Washington Street at the a Quati on
Channel
• Eisenhower Drive at the La Quinta Evacuation
Channel
• Jefferson Street at tLCoachella
alley Irrigation
Canal
• Avenue 50 at thelley Irrigation
Canal
• Avenue 52 at thelley Irrigation
Canal
The onstruction of a new bridge at Jefferson
A nue and the Whitewater River is almost
c plete
Scouring o ighwayand rai roa ridges may
result from flooding, as streambed material is
eroded from bridge foundations. Seismic
retrofitting of bridges can. reduce some of the
effects of bridge scour.
6.4.6 Land Use Planning as a Flood Control
Strategy
Proper land use planning is one of the most
effective methods of controlling flood damage and
protecting lives and property in flood -prone areas.
Land use planning can restrict the type and location
of structures in the vicinity of major drainages.
Development within the 100-year floodplain should
be severely limited, and the construction of critical
community facilities and structures intended for
human habitation should be restricted.
,, 1
Within flood zones that are subject to sheet flows,
development approvals should be conditioned to
assure protection from flood damage. Conditions
may include raising the finished floor level above
the projected flood depth and implementing
measures to protect against scouring.
Land use planning measures may also require the
preservation of natural vegetation in foothills and
mountains, which can play an important role in
absorbing runoff and intercepting debris before it
reaches downstream facilities.
6.4.7 Stormwater Runoff Pollution Control
Stormwarunoff from developed lands has the
Sentiall contaminate or pollute surface and
rn waters. Runoff from streets, parking lots,
bui ing roofs, fertilized golf courses and other
land. aped and hardscaped surfaces can also
contri ute to runoff contamination if not properly
manag . The City participates in the National
Pollutan Discharge Elimination System (NPDES),
which in lements the federal Clean Water Act
adopted i 1990. The program requires the
adoption a d implementation of stormwater
management plans and progra s duce the
discharge of ollutants fro storm water stems
Y
into waters o the Unite tate .
6.5 Noise CrYNQ ,e
The Noise section of the Environmental Hazards
Element coordinates the community's various land
uses with the existing and future noise environment,
and ensures that any negative effects of noise are
reduced as development occurs in the City, its
Sphere of Influence, and its Planning Area. As
development continues, the City will review
proposals to assure land use compatibility with the
noise environment. This section identifies current
(2000) noise problems within the City and its
Sphere -of -Influence and determines future )ise
impacts resulting from buildout of the la use
map.
6.5.1 State Requirements
Subsection (f) of the California Government Code
Section 65302, which requires that the Noise
Element identify and analyze noise problems in the
community, establishes the standards for the
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Master Environmental Assessment
analysis of noise in General Plans. The
implementation of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), Section 21083.1, mandates
adherence to the State Guidelines and empowers
communities to determine whether or not a
proposed project may have a "significant effect on
the environment". These significant impacts may
range from excessive traffic noise in a residential
neighborhood, to industrial manufacturing noise
impacting a hospital or convalescent home.
The California Department of Health Services has
prepared a Model Community Noise Control
Ordinance, which was developed in accordance with
Section 46062 of the Health and Safety Code to
assist local agencies in the development of model
ordinances to control and abate noise. State
guidelines require that a community noise control
ordinance be adopted, which sets forth control
policies and programs that "minimize the exposure
of community residents to excessive noise." The
City has adopted such an ordinance (see below).
6.5.2 Community Noise Equivalent Level
(CNEL)
Concern regarding the potential psychological and
physiological impacts of noise has increased
significantly in recent years. Excessive noise levels
are not only a potential annoyance but can
constitute a significant health threat resulting in
temporary or permanent hearing loss, and mental
distress. The noise environment can also have a
profound influence on the quality of life enjoyed by
residents and visitors.
Noise is defined as unwanted or undesired sound.
Airborne sound is the result of a very rapid change
in air pressure from the surrounding "normal"
atmospheric pressure. The combination of noise
from all sources near and far is the Ambient Noise
Level. For purposes of this discussion, the ambient
noise level at a given location is termed
"environmental noise".
Understanding environmental noise requires some
familiarity with the physical description of noise.
The important physical characteristics of sound
include its frequency range, intensity/loudness and
temporal/time-varying aspect. The decibel (dB),
A -weighted level, and Community Noise
Equivalency Level (CNEL) are all units of
112
Roadway
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General Plan/Master Environmental Assessment
Table 6.3
Existing Exterior Noise Exposure Adjacent to City Roadways
A.D.T.1 CNEL2 Distance to Contours (FT) 3
(Veh/Day)
v"
Washington reet
70 dBA
65 dBA
60 dBA
North 42
24,000
67.0
63
135
291
South 44
<Avenue
20,500
66.3
56
122
262
South 111
28,100
69.5
92
199
428
North of Avenue 50
21,700
66.5
59
126
272
North of Avenue 52
17,200
65.5
50
108
283
Jefferson Street
North of Highway 111
10,800
63.5
37
South of Avenue 48
11,700
63.8
79
171
Madison Street
39
84
180
North of Avenue 52
500
49.8
5
Avenue 50
10'
21
West of Jefferson
7,800
61.8
28
61
131
East of Jefferson
5,900
60.6
23
51
109
Avenue 52
West of Jefferson
8,500
62.1
30
64
139
East of Madison
3,700
58.5
17
37
80
Notes:
I • A.D.T. Means current average daily two-way traffic volume.
2. CNEL values are given at 100 feet from roadway centerlines.
3 All distances
are measured from centerline.
Source: RKJK & Associates
109
122
TN/City of La Quinta
Draft General YId,lia......__ �ironmental Assessment
Table 6.4
Projected General Plan Buildout Noise Contours Adjacent to City
Roadways
Roadway CNELZ Distance to Contours (FT) 3
Washington Street
North of Ave_ 42 70.4
South f Ave un e' 44 71.5
South o 11 73.3
North of Avenue 50 70.4
North of Avenue 52 69.0
Jefferson Street
North of Highway 111 68.4
South of Avenue 48 63.8
Madison Street
North of Avenue 52 67.3
South of Avenue 54 69.6
Harrison Street
South of Airport Boulevard 70.5
South of Avenue 60 69.3
SR - 111
South of Avenue 60 66.1
Avenue 44
West of Jefferson 67.8
Highway 111
West of Jefferson 70.0
Avenue 48
West of Jefferson 68.4
Avenue 50
West of Jefferson 67.2
East of Jefferson 66.4
Avenue 52
West of Jefferson 68.0
East of Madison 66.9
West of Van Buren Ar, 1)
70 dBA 65 dBA 60 dBA
106
228
491
126
271
585
165
356
766
107
230
494
86
185
399
78
169
364
39
84
180
67
143
309
94
202
436
108
233
501
90
195
420
55
119
257
71
153
330
100
216
465
78
168
362
65
140
302
58
124
267
74
159
342
62
134
290
56
121
260
110
124
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